Coping with change Harry Bridges

expulsion had no real effect, however, on either ilwu or bridges power within it. organization continued negotiate agreements, less strife in 1930s , 1940s, , bridges continued reelected without serious opposition. union negotiated groundbreaking agreement in 1960, permitted extensive mechanization of docks. leadership agreed reducing number of longshore workers in return generous job guarantees , benefits displaced changes.

the agreement, however, highlighted lesser status of less senior members, known b-men. bridges reacted defensively these workers complaints, had additional sting because many of b-men black , had worked hard enter union. additional longshore work produced vietnam war allowed bridges meet challenge opening more jobs , making determined efforts recruit black applicants. ilwu later faced similar challenges women, found harder enter industry , union.

bridges had difficulty giving position in ilwu. explored possibility of merging ila or teamsters in 1970s. retired in 1977 after ensuring louis goldblatt, long-time secretary-treasurer of union , logical successor, denied opportunity replace him. opposed goldblatt. bridges died in 1990.

on july 28, 2001, on have been bridges 100th birthday, ilwu organized week-long event celebrating life of union leader. culminated in march of more 8000 unionists , supporters across vincent thomas bridge terminal island san pedro, california. longshoremen shut down port 8 hours in honor of bridges.