Ground Broken On New SF Cruise Terminal Named For Late ILWU Leader

San Francisco’s newest cruise ship terminal has been named after a former president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. The James R. Herman Cruise Terminal at Pier 27 now carries the name of the man who was president of the ILWU from 1977 to 1991 and a San Francisco port commissioner for 15 years.

“Jimmy was passionate about preserving maritime jobs for the working men and women of the waterfront,” said president of ILWU Local 10 Mike Villeggiante. “Jimmy was a visionary who understood the future jobs potential of a cruise ship terminal.”

The building of the terminal brings with it hundreds of new construction jobs as well. Union members stood behind San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee as he oversaw the groundbreaking Tuesday.

“Let’s honor the current people who are part of ILWU, by doing this groundbreaking with them,” said Lee.

Pier 27 will serve as the headquarters for the 2013 America’s Cup race, then will become a terminal for cruise ships starting the following year.

From CBS Local