Members of the ITF-affiliated International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 18 sprang into action when they learned that the ship lacked sufficient food provisions and that the crew members were desperately hungry. They raised US$800 to purchase groceries, which they delivered to the crew.
The predominantly Chinese-speaking crew also reported that their pay had been withheld; they had resorted to eating seaweed to avoid starvation.
Ray Familiathe, ILWU vice president, said: “The deplorable conditions on board the MV Sider Pink along with the seafarers’ cry for assistance allowed ILWU dockers to show their commitment to the ITF’s flags of convenience campaign. Seafarers arriving in US west coast ports can be assured that dockworkers are ready to provide solidarity assistance when ship owners don’t treat seafarers fairly.”