The Docker Podcast

Dan and Zack spoke with Sam Wallman a comics-journalist, cartoonist and labour activist and dock worker with the Maritime Union of Australia. The guys discuss Sam’s background, his book Our Members Be Unlimited: A Comic about Workers and their Unions, and the role art can play in our union campaigns. 

In June of 2017 Dan and Mike had an opportunity to speak with Mick Doleman of the MUA while attending a ITF meeting in Cape Town South Africa. It was a rare occasion in which Mick shared his story of the sinking of the Blythe Star and the incredible story of survival that occurred in October of 1973. Since the time of the recording a shipwreck that had been located was formerly identified as the wreckage of the Blythe Star. On October 19 a memorial plaque to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Blythe star and the discovery of the vessel will be unveiled at Hobart Wharf in Tasmania.

Zack Pattin (ILWU Local 23) and Myka Dubay (ILWU Local 5 and ILWU International Executive Board) discuss their workshop from this year’s YWC Conference, “Weapons of the Boss: Racism and Anti-Trans Discrimination.” Zack walks us through the origins and context of the ILWU’s Ten Guiding Principles and Myka lays out the stakes of the current anti-trans backlash — and what it means for workers and our unions.

Some of the best conversations we can have are when we are invited in to the home of other working people to share stories. My self and ILWU Canada President Emeritus Tom Dufresne got to sit and chat with now retired General Secretary of the Grain Services Union in Saskatchewan Hugh Wagner. Its was an honour to talk with Hugh about his 48 years in the trade union movement, his politics and the role it played in is work, some history of the labour movement in Saskatchewan and hear some advice from Tom from one pensioner to another.

Dan is joined by documentary film maker Mark Street, and Maureen Gutierrez, an ILWU worker who appears on marks new project Work songs.

Work Songs is a kaleidoscopic portrait of the United States at work. Through interviews and observational footage Work Songs explores how various workers find meaning in their jobs.

OUT MAY 1! Celebrate May Day by watching Work Songs by Mark Street. Get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/watchworksongs

Dan and returning guest host Skiff are joined by Patrick Machel and Rob Salgado from ILWU Local 6. We talk about organizing Anchor Steam Brewing as well as some of ILWU Local 6 new and ongoing campaigns. This one is fun.

ILWU International Secretary Treasurer Ed Ferris returns to the show. Dan and Ed talk about climate change, the upcoming U.S. elections, and ILWU Young Workers.

ILWU International President Willie Adams returns to the show to talk about COVID-19, and how the ILWU is adapting. We also get a few general updates on some ILWU issues and discuss political action and the importance of the upcoming U.S. elections. Brother Willie shares some thoughts he has for the rank and file in this strange time.

Dan is joined by ITF Maritime Coordinator Jacqueline Smith to discuss the affect COVID-19 is having on the maritime industry around the world.

Dan talks with Christy Slusarenko, Vice President of MoveUp. Christy talks about how she got involved in the union movement, and how the current COVID-19 situation is affecting the workers she represents.