I am pleased to announce that Jennifer Sargent will be joining the ILWU Communications team, beginning mid-January.  Jennifer will be working in the Northwest Region, with a special focus on helping locals involved with the longshore contract.  Jennifer has an impressive background and strong set of skills.  She grew up in a union family, speaks fluent Spanish, has worked on important political and legislative campaigns, and also worked as a daily newspaper reporter.  She's coming to us from the Oregon State AFL-CIO, where she was Communications and Research Director and got to know the ILWU.

 "During several years of working for the AFL-CIO, I gained a tremendous amount of respect for the ILWU and its members. I'm looking forward to joining the fight for a strong contract in 2008, safer docks and cleaner air for years to come." 

 We're making arrangements for Jennifer to visit as many officers, members and locals in the Northwest as possible in the coming months. 

 Please join me in welcoming Jennifer to our team! 

Craig Merrilees

Communications Director