The press release says nearly 200 longshoremen have refused to unload South African cargo from the Nedlloyd Kimberly in San Francisco's port in protest over South Africa's official government policy of racial apartheid and recent reports of increasing human rights violations in that country. The Nedlloyd Kimberly docked in San Francisco on November 24 with a shipment of auto parts, steel, and wines destined for the U.S. market. Seven shifts of workers so far have refused to touch the goods. The press release says both the ILWU International and its local affiliate have adopted positions opposed to South Africa's official policy of minority white rule in that largely black-populated country. ...
The press release says nearly 200 longshoremen have refused to unload South African cargo from the Nedlloyd Kimberly in San Francisco's port in protest over South Africa's official government policy of racial apartheid and recent reports of increasing human rights violations in that country. The Nedlloyd Kimberly docked in San Francisco on November 24 with a shipment of auto parts, steel, and wines destined for the U.S. market. Seven shifts of workers so far have refused to touch the goods. The press release says both the ILWU International and its local affiliate have adopted positions opposed to South Africa's official policy of minority white rule in that largely black-populated country. However, union officials and rank-and-file union members agree that the current protest has not been authorized by the union. Nevertheless, Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), which represents the shipping industry, has initiated another arbitration proceeding which it hopes will result in a fine being levied against ILWU for the individual conduct of its members. The arbitration hearing between ILWU Local #10 and PMA begins November 28. The press release includes quotes by Tom Lupher, Secretary Treasurer of ILWU Local# 10, and longshoreman David Stewart. Media contacts are Bill Hartman; Lupher, Leo Robinson, South Africa Support Committee/ ILWU Local 10; Patrick Delaney, Friends of Local 10; and Ying Lee Kelley, Office of U.S. Congressman Ronald Dellums. The press release discusses South African goldmine strikers, South African police and army, and Black townships.
