For Immediate Release
March 27, 2020
ILWU Members Proudly Welcome USNS Mercy to Port of Los Angeles
SAN PEDRO — Members of ILWU Locals 13, 63 and 94 welcomed the USNS Mercy Friday, working together to tie up the ship as it docked in the Port of Los Angeles. The naval hospital ship will help lift the burden on local hospitals and medical facilities that need to focus their resources on patients affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 800 medical professionals and support members will staff the 1,000-bed ship.
“At a time when many Californians are being advised to stay at home, ILWU members are at work, moving critically needed medical supplies, personal protective equipment, pharmaceuticals and household goods to the American markets,” said ILWU Local 13 President Ray Familathe.
“ILWU members are showing up day in and day out to keep the economy robust and our supply chains strong,” said ILWU Local 63 President Mike Podue. “And today, they played a role in making sure Angelenos have the medical care they need.”
“We are incredibly proud that our members were a part of welcoming USNS Mercy to Los Angeles and supporting our health care professionals while they care for the families of our local communities and all of Los Angeles County,” said Danny Miranda, president of Local 94.
ILWU Locals 13, 63 and 94 have worked closely with their partners at PMA, the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and all relevant government health agencies to protect their members during the COVID-19 outbreak. This work has included limiting the number of people gathered in the dispatch halls, securing a vendor to clean the Longshore and Casual halls twice a day, and installing hand sanitizer stations throughout both locations.
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The ILWU was formed by dockworkers in 1934 and represents 40,000 men and women in Oregon, Washington, California, Alaska and Hawaii, on the docks and in other industries.
Attached: Photos of ILWU Local 13 linesmen tying up the USNS Mercy. Photo credit: ILWU Local 13.
Contact:
Alice Walton
(310) 595-5612
