By Harry Brill
Editors, Daily Planet:
On January 17th, Berkeley’s Labor Commission, which makes recommendations on labor issues to the City Council, will hold hearings on the conduct of the notoriously anti-union Hornblower Cruises. For around 30 years the ferry line to Alcatraz Island was operated by a unionized company. But several months ago the National Park Service awarded an exclusive ten year contract to Hornblower, which not only dumped the union, but refused to retain the vast majority of the former workers, some of whom had been working on the ferries for decades.
Although all Alcatraz cruises leave Pier 33 in San Francisco, many of the company’s boats are docked in Berkeley. Hornblower also operates a dinner cruise from the Berkeley docks. To show your support for these unemployed workers, come to the hearings –Wednesday, January 17th, 7pm at the North Berkeley Senior Center (MLK & Hearst).
Every effort is being made to persuade Hornblower to rescind its disposable worker policy. Some of these now unemployed workers had been at the job for decades. Most important, please do whatever you can to discourage visitors from taking a cruise to Alcatraz until they get their jobs back. Also, teachers and parents planning on trips should not be giving children and anti-worker and anti-union education. There are many wonderful ways to enjoy a vacation in San Francisco, including other ferry tours.
It is immensely important for all of us to understand that the pleasures of vacationers should never be at the expense of anyone’s rightful claim to their job. Just as your work is important to you, the jobs of these unemployed workers are critical to them and their families.
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Hornblowers
After years of visiting the Bay area, I decided to take my two daughters, ages 10 and 12, out to Alcatraz during the week of Thanksgiving, this past year. I went on line and bought 3 tickets. When we arrived at the pier, we saw the picket signs. We immediatly asked for and received a full refund. I was shocked at the lack of public support. People were walking right through the picketers to take this trip. I was equally surprised that a liberal, progressive city like San Francisco, wouldn't have a more active and constant presence at Pier 33. People need to wake up to the fact that this type of thing hurts all citizens. Sincerely, Pat Silvernale Renton, WA