Across the United States, Port Maritime Councils took advantage of the warmer spring weather to help their communities in various ways.
It might be hard to justify the need for spring weather to the affiliates to the Hawaii Ports Maritime Council, but with the calendars turning to April and May, that PMC was active on several fronts.
In April, delegates joined with other trade unionists to urge the Hawaii legislature to increase the state’s minimum wage. They also fought to end the need for tipped jobs so all would benefit from the better wage scale. Shortly after that, the PMC took part in the state’s Labor Community Services’ Labor of Love event to brighten and upgrade the Iao Intermediate School. Dozens of union members joined school personnel and students to clean, repair and paint the facility.
In late May, the council’s maritime affiliates held a Maritime Career Pathways Expo to introduce the industry to those looking for a new job or career path. The council reported this event was very successful.
In Houston, the West Gulf Ports Council honored state Senator John Whitmire for his 50 years of service to the state of Texas and its working people. More than 100 people, including representatives from several PMC affiliates, gathered for a lunch on May 25 at the Seafarers Union hall in Houston to salute Whitmire.
Due north (and a little east), the Chicago and Western Lakes Port Council held its annual golf fundraiser on June 14 near Lake Michigan. Almost 150 trade unionists and allies came out to recognize Michael D. Volpentesta, president of the Bricklayers District Council 1, as Labor Leader of the Year; Illinois Secretary of State Jess White with the Friend of Labor Award; and Maurice King of IBEW Local 134 with the Able Helmsman of the Year Award.
Just a few days later, delegates and friends of the Cleveland Port Maritime Council hit the links near the shores of Lake Erie to hold its annual golf outing. Almost 50 people took advantage of the beautiful weather for fellowship and fun.
