SR Holguin, PC is a union-side labor and employment law firm with nearly four decades of experience representing private sector unions, public sector unions, and multi-employer trust funds. SR Holguin, PC is committed to providing full-service legal representation to each of our clients.

One way in which SR Holguin, PC ensures our clients and their members stay informed is by keeping you updated on recent developments relating to workers’ rights. Today’s updates come following the release of the January 26, 2021 Los Angeles City Council Meeting agenda. There is one item in particular that could impact you.

Workers Who Could be Impacted: “Essential Waterfront Workers”

On December 15, 2020, President Pro Tempore Joe Buscaino (15th District), and Councilmember Paul Koretz (5th District) introduced a Resolution seconded by Councilmember Mike Bonin (11th District). 

The Resolution provided in part “the maritime industry has continued to operate throughout the global COVID-19 pandemic despite major disruptions to global supply chains…the Port of Los Angeles is a linchpin in the economic vitality of multiple critical infrastructure sectors locally and nationally…the maritime industry is fueled by the work of essential waterfront workers who have taken on extensive risks in order to ensure the continued flow of goods and materials through the Port…the State is developing guidelines for the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to essential personnel once medical workers, first responders, and vulnerable populations have been successfully vaccinated…the health and safety of waterfront workers is crucial for the continued recovery from the economic devastation wrought by the global pandemic…and…the State should prioritize protection of the waterfront workers who continue to risk their health to maintain our local and national economies.”

Therefore, the Resolution called for “with the concurrence of the Mayor, that by the adoption of this Resolution, the City of Los Angeles hereby includes in its 2021-2022 State Legislative Program [support] for any legislation or administrative action that would prioritize distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine for essential waterfront workers.”

The Resolution was referred to the City Council’s Rules, Elections, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee who waived consideration of the item.

Now, agenda item 6 of the January 26, 2021 Los Angeles City Council Meeting calls for the Council to “[adopt] the accompanying [Resolution] to include in the City’s 2021-2022 State Legislative Program, [support] for any legislation or administrative action that would prioritize distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine for essential waterfront workers.”

International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), Locals 13, 63, and 94 submitted public comment in support of the Resolution.

We hope these updates are helpful to you.

Fraternally,

SR Holguin, PC