Marine Firemen's Union
Encyclopedia
The Pacific Coast Marine Firemen, Oilers, Watertenders and Wipers Association often referred to as the Marine Firemen's Union is an American labor union
of mariners working aboard U.S. flag vessels. The Marine Firemen's Union is an affiliate union of Seafarers International Union.
The union was formed in San Francisco, California
in October, 1883 by "firemen on coal-burning steamers."
On May 16, 1934 the union joined the West Coast longshoremen's strike of 1934
. Lasting 83 days, it led to the unionization of all of the West Coast
ports of the United States
. The San Francisco general strike, along with the 1934 Toledo Auto-Lite Strike
led by the American Workers Party
and the Minneapolis Teamsters Strike of 1934
, were important catalysts for the rise of industrial unionism
in the 1930s.
West coast sailors walked off their ships in support of the International Longshoremen's Association
longshoremen, leaving more than 50 ships idle in the San Francisco harbor. In clashes with the police between July 3 and July 5, 1934, three picketers were killed and "scores were injured." During negotiations to end the strike, the sailors received concessions such a three-watch system, pay increases, and better living conditions.
Trade union
A trade union, trades union or labor union is an organization of workers that have banded together to achieve common goals such as better working conditions. The trade union, through its leadership, bargains with the employer on behalf of union members and negotiates labour contracts with...
of mariners working aboard U.S. flag vessels. The Marine Firemen's Union is an affiliate union of Seafarers International Union.
The union was formed in San Francisco, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
in October, 1883 by "firemen on coal-burning steamers."
Strikes
- In June 1886, the union led a strike against the Oceanic Steamship Company.
- In 1901, the union participated in a San Francisco strike of over 20,000 men to oppose an open shopOpen shopAn open shop is a place of employment at which one is not required to join or financially support a union as a condition of hiring or continued employment...
initiative by employers. - On May 1, 1906, the union participated in a successful strike for better wages and working conditions. The strike lasted until November 1906.
- In 1921, faced with threats including a 15 percent reduction in wages, loss of overtime pay, a reduction from three to two watches, the union joined a national strike. The strike was unsuccessful, and by the end of the year unlicensed American mariners were being replaced by subsistence-wage foreign crews.
On May 16, 1934 the union joined the West Coast longshoremen's strike of 1934
1934 West Coast Longshore Strike
The 1934 West Coast Waterfront Strike lasted eighty-three days, triggered by sailors and a four-day general strike in San Francisco, and led to the unionization of all of the West Coast ports of the United States...
. Lasting 83 days, it led to the unionization of all of the West Coast
West Coast of the United States
West Coast or Pacific Coast are terms for the westernmost coastal states of the United States. The term most often refers to the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. Although not part of the contiguous United States, Alaska and Hawaii do border the Pacific Ocean but can't be included in...
ports of the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The San Francisco general strike, along with the 1934 Toledo Auto-Lite Strike
Auto-Lite strike
The Toledo Auto-Lite strike was a strike by a federal labor union of the American Federation of Labor against the Electric Auto-Lite company of Toledo, Ohio, from April 12 to June 3, 1934....
led by the American Workers Party
American Workers Party
The American Workers Party was a socialist organization established in December 1933 by activists in the Conference for Progressive Labor Action, a group headed by A.J. Muste.-Formation:...
and the Minneapolis Teamsters Strike of 1934
Minneapolis Teamsters Strike of 1934
The Minneapolis General Strike of 1934 grew out of a strike by Teamsters against most of the trucking companies operating in Minneapolis, a major distribution center for the Upper Midwest. The strike began on May 16, 1934 in the Market District and ensuing violence lasted periodically throughout...
, were important catalysts for the rise of industrial unionism
Industrial unionism
Industrial unionism is a labor union organizing method through which all workers in the same industry are organized into the same union—regardless of skill or trade—thus giving workers in one industry, or in all industries, more leverage in bargaining and in strike situations...
in the 1930s.
West coast sailors walked off their ships in support of the International Longshoremen's Association
International Longshoremen's Association
The International Longshoremen's Association is a labor union representing longshore workers along the East Coast of the United States and Canada, the Gulf Coast, the Great Lakes, Puerto Rico, and inland waterways...
longshoremen, leaving more than 50 ships idle in the San Francisco harbor. In clashes with the police between July 3 and July 5, 1934, three picketers were killed and "scores were injured." During negotiations to end the strike, the sailors received concessions such a three-watch system, pay increases, and better living conditions.
- In 1936, all the Pacific Maritime Federation unions banded together to strike for wages, working conditions, and a union-controlled hiring hall. The strike was successful.
- The union participated in a 1948 West Coast strike that included the longshoremen. The strike lasted for four months with neither side clearly victorious.
- On March 16, 1962 the union called a strike and on April 11, 1962, under the Taft-Hartley ActTaft-Hartley ActThe Labor–Management Relations Act is a United States federal law that monitors the activities and power of labor unions. The act, still effective, was sponsored by Senator Robert Taft and Representative Fred A. Hartley, Jr. and became law by overriding U.S. President Harry S...
, a federal injunction was issued to stop the strike. After lengthy court battles, an agreement was reached, with the union gaining numerous concessions, including "overtime in port, pension benefits, wages, vacation, and welfare benefits."
See also
- The Maritime Trades Department AFL-CIOThe Maritime Trades Department AFL-CIO-External links:*...
- National Maritime UnionNational Maritime UnionThe National Maritime Union was an American labor union founded in May 1937. It affiliated with the Congress of Industrial Organizations in July 1937...
- United States Merchant MarineUnited States Merchant MarineThe United States Merchant Marine refers to the fleet of U.S. civilian-owned merchant vessels, operated by either the government or the private sector, that engage in commerce or transportation of goods and services in and out of the navigable waters of the United States. The Merchant Marine is...
- Earl King, Ernest Ramsay, and Frank Conner murder caseEarl King, Ernest Ramsay, and Frank ConnerEarl King, Ernest Ramsay, and Frank Conner were three merchant seamen convicted of murdering a ship's officer, George Alberts, aboard a freighter anchored in Alameda, California, on March 22, 1936. Their trial, appeals, and terms in San Quentin Prison were a celebrated cause among trade unionists,...