A port union worker died Sunday, June 7, at a Port of Los Angeles terminal in what has been characterized as a tragic incident by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union.
Details of what happened have not been released and the circumstances remain under investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard and Cal/OSHA. The worker was a member of ILWU Local 94.
A union bulletin, “Tragedy at APMT,” was issued Monday to inform union members.
“Tragically, a fatality occurred yesterday at APMT/Maersk,” the bulletin read. “At this time, the circumstances surrounding the incident remains under investigation, and details are limited.”
No other information was immediately available from the union, the Port of Los Angeles or the terminal.
“We understand that many members may have questions,” the bulletin said. “However, until the investigation provides confirmed information, we ask everyone to refrain from spreading rumors or speculation. As additional facts become available, we will keep the membership informed.”
Those who witnessed the incident or were struggling with the loss were directed to consult with available grief counselors who were to be available at the terminal on Tuesday, June 8.
“Please keep our Brother and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” the bulletin concluded.
Longshore work, while benefiting in recent decades from growing safety protocols and protective gear and equipment, remains a dangerous job.
Each year in mid-May, the union gathers to honor those who have lost their lives on the job, a tradition that was started 24 years ago by the Southern California Pensioners Group on behalf of ILWU Locals 13, 63, and 94. The union serves both the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
The “First Blood” gathering, honoring those who have lost their lives since the union’s founding in the 1930s, is a solemn occasion held at the Harry Bridges Monument and Memorial along the greenbelt on Harbor Boulevard in San Pedro. It features the calling out of the names on the wall as a bell is rung in their honor. Those who had died in the past year are given special recognition.
Early union pioneers like Dickie Parker and John Knudsen, who were killed during the historic 1934 West Coast waterfront strikes, also are honored each year at the gathering.
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