The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, a division of the Teamsters Rail Conference, sent the following letter (download PDF here) of solidarity to ILWU International President Robert McEllrath regarding multinational EGT’s union-busting attempt at the Port of Longview, WA:
Brother McEllrath:
On behalf of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen – Washington State Legislative Board and our 700 members across Washington State in nine (9) Local Divisions, I offer our full support in ILWU 21’s fight to maintain jurisdiction of the EGT grain facility in Longview, Washington. As recent court decisions have shown, EGT was “acutely aware” of ILWU 21’s jurisdiction and long established work relationship at the Port of Longview. EGT, Bunge, and other corporate conglomerate s are attempting to undermine the Northwest grain industry and the 80 year history of fair wages and benefits ILWU has fought vigorously to secure.
As General President Hoffa has pointed out, EGT is yet another glaring example of the “War on Workers” corporations have waged against the working class in America. Equally outrageous, is the use of taxpayer dollars to fund what amounts to an EGT “corporate militia” under the guise of Homeland Security. Heavy handed police tactics and surveillance of ILWU workers should not be tolerated by our elected officials. Be assured we stand in solidarity with our ILWU brothers and sisters in their fight to maintain grain jobs with fair wages and benefits at the Port of Longview. Please keep me abreast of your efforts and any help we can provide to ensure ILWU prevails in their battle against EGT.
In Solidarity,
Mike Elliott, Chairman
Washington State Legislative Board
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen
A Division of the Teamsters Rail Conference