The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) conducted its Leadership, Education, and Development (LEAD) Institute from April 13-18 in Tacoma, Washington. This triennial event is part of the ILWU’s educational program aimed at equipping rank-and-file members and elected leaders with practical skills to foster leadership and enhance membership engagement within their local unions.
This year saw a record attendance of 112 participants, including two casual longshore workers. The event featured panel discussions and group exercises that focused on active participation and collaborative problem-solving. Participants learned how to run successful union meetings, increase member involvement, strategically problem-solve, and plan strategic campaigns.
The conference commenced with opening remarks from International Secretary-Treasurer Ed Ferris, International President Bobby Olvera Jr., and International Vice President (Hawai’i) Brandon Wolff. Ferris highlighted the importance of serving union membership: “The time to step up is now,” he said. “Our union needs you.” Olvera emphasized the ILWU’s democratic culture: “Nobody is going to hold you back… Our voice is strong because we are one,” he stated. Wolff discussed key leadership traits such as integrity and commitment: “True honor and integrity is doing the right thing for the right reasons,” he noted.
The first panel discussion featured past LEAD alumni who have become ILWU leaders. Local 34 Vice President Jadine Trujillo shared her experience from the 2022 LEAD conference: “What I learned from everyone who attended the conference gave me the drive to want to run for vice president of my local union,” she said. Local 142 Secretary-Treasurer Mike Victorino Jr. stressed the importance of serving others: “You’re here to help the greater good,” he said.
Participants also engaged in discussions about ILWU’s Ten Guiding Principles, diversity within industries represented by ILWU locals, and how core values anchor them amid political divides. Local 13 President Gary Herrera spoke about building alliances with environmental groups: “Sustainability has three pillars: social, environmental, and economic,” he explained.
On engaging young members, panelists highlighted efforts initiated by ILWU Canada in 2013 to involve younger workers in union activities. Local 5 President Benjamin Ficklin discussed inclusivity as a strength: “By embodying the Third Guiding Principle… we’re a radically inclusive space,” they remarked.
University of Washington’s Moon Ho-Jung delivered a talk on race, labor, and national security’s historical intersections. Sean Farley of Local 34 provided insights on conducting effective meetings.
Attendees participated in strategic organizing campaign planning using the “Heat and Hammer” framework before presenting final projects on regional goals.
Participant William Evans expressed gratitude for learning opportunities at LEAD: “It’s given me a lot more confidence to be more involved in the union than I am now,” he stated. Neal Gonzalez emphasized taking back lessons on organizing efficient meetings to Alaska Longshore Unit 223.
