International Longshoremen’s and Warehousemen’s Union (ILWU) poster, 1952
The National Museum of American History is anxious to collect artifacts which reflect the rich diversity of experiences from our past. The history of labor union organizing and the responses on the part of business and government are among the most important parts of our legacy.
We collected two posters illustrating labor protests against the persecution of Hawaii’s labor leaders in the McCarthyite proceedings during the 1950s. Beginning in the late 1930s, the International Longshoremen’s and Warehousemen’s Union organized Hawaii’s key industries—dockworkers and sugar and pineapple plantation employees. The ILWU success in galvanizing a multi-ethnic labor union successfully challenged the white oligarchy, which controlled the Islands’ economy and society, leading to an upstart Democratic Party gaining electoral control in the mid-1950s. Some years before, federal intervention to destroy progressive Union leadership and its supporters, known as the “Hawaii Seven,” led to hugely disruptive trials. These posters/signs protested the trials and supported the leadership. After years of appeals, the “Hawaii Seven” were vindicated.
Gift of International Longshoremen’s and Warehousemen’s Union (ILWU)
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I feel lucky to stumble upon your website here. My grandfather, Antonio (Tony) Rania, was the first president of Hawaii’s Consolidated ILWU Local 142 from 1952-1962 and prior to that time, was very active organizing workers at the Waialua plantation from 1944 onward. He played a big part in the Great Sugar Strike of 1947 and in his ILWU years, came out to Washington DC as witness for the defense for Jack Hall (Smith Act Trial).
His daughters, my mother (Lorenza Altiveros) and aunt (Estrelita Bennett) now in their 70′s, would be more than happy to share any other information, and stories. As for memorabilia from the era, I am not sure but if you would like to talk to them, I’d be happy to connect you all.
Micki Altiveros