Cargo Business Newswire

Monday, January 13, 2014

ILWU asks Long Beach City Council candidates to sign labor pledge

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union' Southern California division asked Long Beach city council candidates to sign a labor pledge prior to Sunday's endorsement interview sessions in San Pedro, according to LB Report.

Those who take the "Southern California District Council Labor Pledge" will agree to "unflinchingly support organized labor, collective bargaining and workers' rights," along with several other provisions, including support of public education over vouchers, the protection of laborers' rights and the environment in free trade agreements, and the protection of marriage choice, affirmative action, religious freedom, freedom of speech and a women's right to reproductive choice.

The pledge also asks that candidates take a stand to support specific issues, including the Medicare protection, the restoration of unemployment benefits and preschool program Head Start, a green jobs initiative, and food and product content labeling.

The many endorsement interview questions included queries about limited resources and layoffs, the benefits packages of council members and staff, the candidates' views on public protests and demonstrations, their solution for the growing homeless population, and their views on growing privatization.

For more of the LB Report story: lbreport.com