December 1-2, 1999

Statement of Policy on Frank Billeci

Frank Billeci started work on the waterfront in 1955 and soon thereafter became a member of ILWU Local 34. From his early days as a member of Local 34 Frank took an active role in the activities of the Local and the labor movement in the San Francisco Bay Area. Like many committed trade unionists, Frank donated countless hours and limitless energy to the ILWU and progressive causes.

Throughout his forty-plus year career with the ILWU, Frank has served on nearly every committee and has held nearly every elected office in Local 34, including numerous terms as its President. He has served on several longshore industry negotiating committees effectively representing the clerks locals and the whole division. Frank has also represented the Northern California locals as a member of the International Executive Board. On the IEB, he was a trustee whose function was to oversee the finances of the International; he served in a similar capacity for the Coast Committee.

In the early 1990’s the longshore division ran into a jurisdictional beef with USS Posco—a steel operation in Pittsburg, CA co-owned by US Steel and Pohang Steel of Korea. Frank worked on this project building coalitions, testifying before government agencies, and in general being a thorn in the side of USS Posco. After two years, an agreement was reached with USS Posco protecting the jurisdiction of the longshore division.

Frank is well respected for his thoroughness and thoughtful input to the policies and directions of the union. He always put the interest of the Union as a whole ahead of any other group. In heated debates on significant issues, he would often cut through the periphery and focus on critical points. His honesty and integrity are beyond reproach and are examples to guide all trade unionists.

Today, December 1, 1999, Frank is officially retired from the ILWU. His retirement is well-deserved and will allow him to spend more time with his wife, Joan, and his family. Frank, above all, is first a loyal family man and second a dedicated trade unionist. The International Executive Board of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union thanks Frank for his many years of conscientious work for workers in general and the ILWU in particular. As importantly, we wish Frank, Joan and his family a long and healthy retirement.