Sesha B, Boston, MA
Last night, RCA comrades joined striking International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) dockworkers on the picket line at Conley Terminal in Boston.
There were 40–50 dockworkers on the picket, blocking the entrance to the dock. We approached, let them know we were there to show our solidarity, offer our help, and asked if we could join them on the picket line. We were warmly welcomed to do so, given placards to carry, and spent the next 45 minutes or so walking and chatting with the strikers.
We listened, expressed our support, and asked a questions. The mood was quiet—it was past 9:00 pm—but their determination was clear. They are aware of their strength—their ability to shut down, or at least slow down, much of the economy.
When asked about the upcoming presidential election, they immediately said they were “neutral” and that their focus is on economic demands: job security in the face of automation and AI, wages and inflation, and working conditions and safety.
One worker we spoke with was not aware that military cargo was exempted from the strike and will not be interrupted.
As we left, we re-iterated our support for their struggle, admiration for their strike, and assured them that we’d be back! They in turn expressed their appreciation for our support!