ILWU International President Robert McEllrath has sent the following letter to all ILWU Locals, IBU, Affiliates, Auxiliaries and Pension Clubs:
I am certain you have seen the horrific news reports of the damage caused by the 9.0 earthquake off the shore of northern Japan, the subsequent tsunami, and the continuing nuclear reactor problems. Hundreds of thousands of Japanese citizens are homeless and without shelter and adequate food and water. In times of crisis like this, the ILWU family has always stepped up to assist those in need.
While the Titled Officers will be asking the International Executive Board, at its meeting early next month, to authorize a substantial contribution to the relief efforts in Japan, I am asking all affiliates and rank and file members to reach onto their pockets and make whatever contribution they can afford. We have set up a relief fund at the International to aid the disaster recovery in Japan. Checks should be made out to “ILWU” with a notation in the memo section specifying “Japan relief” and sent to ILWU International, 1188 Franklin St., San Francisco, CA 94109.
Our brothers and sisters in Japan represented by All Japan Dockworkers Union and the All Japan Seamen’s Union have set up relief accounts to which we will be transferring the contributions. Thank you for your generous support.