Date: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 12:19:29 -0700 (PDT)
From: Tom Condit <tomcondit-AT-igc.apc.org>
Subject: M-NEWS: ILWU considers ban


 US union protests in support of wharfies
   22apr98 The Australian

 SAN DIEGO: The largest waterfront union on the American west coast
 yesterday stepped up its industrial action in support of fired
 Australian dock workers with a loud but peaceful protest against
 the head of one of Australia's biggest shipping companies.

 The president and CEO of Australia New Zealand Direct Line, Mr
 Michael Beard, was addressing a local trade association in the Los
 Angeles waterfront district of San Pedro when about 50 members of
 the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) began
 marching and chanting outside.

 "The purpose is to let Australia New Zealand Direct Line know we're
 not going to stand for them using scab labour in Australia," said
 protest organiser Ray Familathe.

 "If they use scab labour they should know that the ILWU has a long
 history of protecting our union rights as well as other trade
 unions. We have a slogan that says: 'An injury to one is an injury
 to all."'

 Mr Beard refused to address the protesters but told the trade
 association that his company was only using union labour at docks
 in Geelong and Port Kembla.

 "I understand that's not the case and he's not telling the truth,"
 said Mr Familathe.

 "We're a little concerned that Mr Beard did not want to comment to
 us directly. He's being extremely evasive.
                                                                      
 "If it's the case that he's not using scab labour we can applaud
 him otherwise we'll continue to support the Maritime Union of
 Australia."

 ANZ Direct Line has seven ships operating between Australia and the
 US West Coast.

 Mr Familathe said it was only a matter of time before ships that
 had been loaded with non-union labour in Australia arrived on the
 west coast and at that time American dock workers would vote on
 what action to take.

 "I understand there are ships headed this way and we're gearing
 up," he said.

 "We haven't determined exactly what action will be taken but our
 rank and file is angered beyond belief."

 The ILWU, which has 60,000 members, is considering a black ban on
 ships loaded by non-union labour in Australia.

 Mr Familathe said every ship heading to the US west coast was being
 closely scrutinised by the union.

 "Australia New Zealand Direct Line is just one of the shipping
 lines from Australia that use our ports. There's many others," he
 said.

 "Every steamship line that utilises west coast ports are being
 analysed right now. We're looking at where these ships come from
 and whether they were loaded with scab cargo."