Fusao Ohori, a Representative of the All-Japan Seamen’s Union - which Represents the Crews of Ships at Sea - flew from Tokyo to walk Picket Lines with Locked-Out Longshore Workers in Vancouver and Portland.

Along with Ohori’s visit, the All-Japan Seamen’s Union contributed one million yen to the ILWU.  That translates to an estimated $10,400.  When Ohori made the announcement, 18 Union Dockworkers who’d gathered there Clapped their Approval.

Longshore Workers from Kalama, Longview and Seattle were among the 18 Union Members who picketed in Vancouver, according to ILWU Spokeswoman Jennifer Sargent.

Ohori visited Two Picket Lines: One at the Port of Vancouver, where United Grain – which is owned by Tokyo-based Mitsui & Co. - operates a Facility; and another at the Port of Portland, where Columbia Grain Incorporated - which is owned by Japan’s Marubeni Corporation - runs a Grain Elevator.

In Vancouver, Ohori read a Letter to ILWU Workers from Yasumi Morita, Vice President of the All-Japan Seamen’s Union.  The ILWU faces Difficulties “Due to Unjust Treatment and Demands by Terminal Companies in the Pacific Northwest,” Ohori read from the Statement.

Ohori said he was in Town to Express Solidarity with Longshore Workers.  The ILWU, he said, gave plenty of Support and Encouragement after the 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami battered Japan.  “We always support each other,” Ohori said.

You can directly access this Labor News Story at: http://www.longshoreshippingnews.com/2013/06/japanese-union-leader-lends-support-to-ilwu-joins-picket-line-at-port-donates-10000/