Bulletin #26-20
April 8, 2020
Brothers and Sisters,
As you know, the recent Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a great unbalance in the everyday life of millions around the world. COVID-19 has also presented a unique set of challenges to our industry. As the situation has progressed, new guidelines have been issued from the federal, state, and local levels regarding what is permissible. Local 13 has made every effort to be in compliance with each of these guidelines.
On March 19, the State of California, County of Los Angeles, and City of Los Angeles each issued complimentary orders directing individuals to stay home unless they are engaged in essential activities. The County and City orders also prohibit all public and private gatherings occurring outside a home. Each of these orders lists port operations as an essential infrastructure.
Despite being considered essential infrastructure, there are a number of guidelines that must be followed including maintaining social distancing practices such as ensuring a distance of at least six feet from others, frequently washing hands with soap and water, and other infection control precautions.
One way in which we as a union have adapted to comply with these guidelines is by TEMPORARILY MODIFYING THE DISPATCH PROCESS. The use of two halls and the way we are currently dispatching gangs are in an attempt to minimize the number of people in our halls.
We are living in unprecedented times. This is a learning experience for all of us. We are doing our best to ensure the smooth operation of our union but ask you to please bear with us as we adapt.
WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER. AS WE APPROACH THE PEAK OF THE VIRUS, WE MUST ALL DO OUR PART TO FLATTEN THE CURVE. WE WANT TO BE CLEAR, THE ACTIONS WE ARE TAKING ARE TEMPORARY, AND ARE DONE TO MINIMIZE ANY POTENTIAL HARM TO THE UNION, SAVE LIVES, AND PROTECT THE INTEGRITY OF OUR HALL.
During these trying times we must stand together in solitary. Perhaps now more than ever our motto rings true “An Injury to One is an Injury to All.”
Ray Familathe Gary Herrera Mark Williams
President Vice President Secretary/Treasurer