Welcome to the Harry Bridges Institute

What Do We Do?
The Harry Bridges Institute, through it's Board of Directors and hundreds of volunteers, puts the above principles into action through the following programs:

WE HONOR TRUE LABOR HEROS - the average working man and woman - through our Video History Project (which records the life stories of pensioners) and through our annual Cesar Chavez Labor Tribute Banquet, Bridges Banquet and luncheon Honoring Working Class Women (which gives working families and their unions an opportunity to honor their own).

WE SPONSOR LABOR STUDIES CLASSES - we organize with high schools, colleges and sometimes elementary schools to "spread the gospel" of what the union movement has really accomplished - the eight hour day, pension benefits, health and dental insurance as well as better wages and working conditions.

WE SUPPORT PROGRAMS THAT CELEBRATE DIVERSITY - like the Tacoma, Washington, Celebration of Black History and Labor, educationals on sexual harassment, and Juneteenth Celebrations.

WE SPONSOR INTERNATIONAL WORKER-TO-WORKER EXCHANGES (paid by the individuals) and have led delegations to Cuba, Vietnam, Singapore, England, Mexico, Jamaica, South America and Australia.

WE BUILD BRIDGES BETWEEN THE LABOR MOVEMENT AND THE UNORGANIZED COMMUNITY - through sponsoring events like the Maritime Labor Forum, community support for the struggles of the Maritime Union of Australia, the 144 day grocery worker support with our Adopt-A-UFCW-Family program, the recent mini-conference with Harbor Area day laborers and the Coalition for Human Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles.

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Recent Events:

Some of Our Past Projects:

2004 - 10th Annual Cesar Chavez Labor Tribute Banquet
The Harry Bridges Institute held it's tenth annual tribute, honoring a number of locals for their contributions this past year. Find out More Inside.

2002: "Hughes' Dream Harlem"
The screening of a new film celebrating the 100th birthday of African American poet Langston Hughes was one highlight of two days of Juneteeth celebrations in San Pedro. The HBI is proud to have co-hosted this free event. More inside.

The 100th Birthday Celebration
The summer of 2001 marked the 100th anniversary of Harry's birth. Our week-long celebration included a historic march across the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro, California. Join us for a look back at the week's events and the thousands of union workers who contributed to it's success. Find out more here.

HBI Merchandise and Donations
A special collection of official Harry Bridges merchandise, including collectibles and "limited edition" items, are available for purchase. Find out about the many ways you can support the Institute here.

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REMINDER:
Dave Arian
Will reading from his new book and signing copies,
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 @ 6:00pm
Harry Bridges Institute
350 W. 5th Street, Ste. 209
San Pedro, CA 90731

The Right to Get in the Fight

 
As he retires from a lifelong career in a union to which he dedicated his life serving, Dave Arian documents the philosophies he believes are the four most important components of the International and Longshore and Warehouse Union’s Longshore Division:
 

• The Registration Process
• The Hiring Hall and the Low-Man-Out System of Dispatch
• The Coastwise Contract
• The Joint Labor Relations Process

This exclusive, heartfelt tribute to the ILWU also discusses the special culture of the union as well as the democratic practices which have contributed to its global success.  Dave Arian does all this - and more - by generously sharing with readers…
 

What I was taught when I came into the union,
and what I have to pass on.

     
  Dave Arian, former president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and founder of the Harry Bridges Institute, is an expert on maritime labor operations. He has spent more than forty-five years on the West Coast waterfront and has served as an officer of the ILWU in various capacities.