San Francisco maritime unions to fight back against anti-union Hornblower Yachts

Alcatraz Cruises, of Hornblower Dining and Yachts has refused to recognize union workers who have worked on the Alcatraz ferry since its opening as a National Park. Full time jobs with pension and benfits to be replaced with casual part time workers.

Alcatraz has become one of the most successful and lucrative destinations in the National Park Service (NPS). Since the island opened up to the public, the IBU and the MMP have represented the Alcatraz Ferry Workers. The highly skilled workforce has been there for over 30 years. These members have performed their duties competently and professionally.

The NPS chose the notoriously anti-union Hornblower Company to operate the Alcatraz ferry route starting on September 25, 2006. The company has vigorously opposed union organizing effort of Bay Area workers in the past. They follow a policy of employing mostly part-time workers with a minimum of full-time staff.

The route to Alcatraz can be treacherous, and passenger safety will be compromised if Hornblower hires inexperienced and untrained Captains and Deckhands. Despite the concerns of the San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newstm and the Board of Supervisors about the new Alcatraz Ferry Operator's impact on local neighborhoods, Hornblower has not given the public an opportunity to comment on the impacts of bringing almost 5,000 people per day to Pier 31½

Both maritime unions sued the National Park Service to enforce the prevailing wages and benefits act and won. After almost a year of effort to ensure our members keep their jobs, both the IBU and MMP Alcatraz Ferry Workers have as yet NO ASSURANCES THAT THEY WILL BE ALLOWED TO KEEP THEIR JOBS. The loss of these jobs will result in devastating personal losses for our members.

The IBU and the MMP have the support of the California Labor Federation and all of its Unions in their effort to convince Hornblower that it should retain the proven services of skilled Union workers. Due to the seriousness of the situation, the California Labor Federation is sending a strong message to the public by placing Hornblower Cruises and Events and its affiliate company, Alcatraz Cruises LLC on the "Do Not Patronize List".

SUPPORT OUR WORKERS IN MAINTAINING THEIR JOBS, THEIR LIVING CONDITIONS, AND DIGNITY BY NOT PATRONIZING THESE COMPANIES!

For further information, please visit:

http://www.ibu.org and http://www.bridgedeck.org/

There will be a picket, Monday, September 25, 2006 at Pier 31 / 33 at 8:30 AM - Details here: http://www.iww.org/en/node/2875