If you have a strong union, you don't need a necktie: U.S. labor and global solidarity

Global solidarity between waterfront locals emerged through the use of the electronic and computer communication networks and technologies when their national and international organizations failed to act in the interests of the working class and showed themselves to be conservative and reactionary. Given current failures of the labor movement, both in the U.S. and internationally, this article describes how the protracted struggle around the Charleston 5 builds toward reform within unions such as the ILA and international organizations such as the ITF. These events show how in recent years an older leadership is being replaced by younger, brasher, and more combative leadership from the ranks of workers who understand their common interests and act upon them following the example of the ILWU.