About Your Local
OUR MOTTO
AN INJURY TO ONE IS AN INJURY TO ALL.
IGNORANCE OF OUR RESPONSIBILITIES IS NO EXCUSE
SINCE IT IS THE DUTY OF EVERY MEMBER TO READ AND
UNDERSTAND THIS CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS AND
THE DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES. THEY PROTECT AND
STRENGTHEN OUR UNION. THEY SHALL BE STRICTLY
OBSERVED.
Amalgamated Local 500 of the International Longshore and
Warehouse Union.
DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES
We, who are under the jurisdiction of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union subscribe to the following fundamental principles and, basing ourselves on these principles we are determined to do individually and collectively everything in our power to live up to them. We recognize that:
1. Equality amongst men and women the brotherhood and sisterhood of workers are birthrights of the highest order. We guarantee equality of opportunity within our Union and shall strive to promote universal solidarity everywhere.
2. The welfare and advancement of all humankind depends upon a recognition of the dignity of people. We shall uphold the right of all to live and grow in a dignified manner and to be treated with decency and respect by their employers.
3. Everyone, regardless of race, creed, colour, sex, political or religious belief has the right to receive a fair and just return for their labour to make possible sufficient leisure for education, recreation, and cultural development. We shall continue to fight all forms of economic oppression and industrial tyranny. We affirm the right of everyone to receive the wherewith all to develop the fullest possible use of all their mental faculties. (We stand opposed to the practice of "moonlighting".)
4. Participation in political and social affairs at the local, national and international levels is essential for the advancement of labour's ideals. Appreciating as Canadian citizens the tremendous responsibilities we have assumed we shall educate ourselves, fulfill our role in the community, and accept the challenge of the future to build onward and upward to a better life.
5. Unity within the entire labour movement is of paramount importance in achieving our common objectives. We shall maintain affiliation with our International and Area organizations, and other labour councils whenever possible. We shall assist them, honour their legitimate picket lines, and at all times hold true to the ideals and principles of social justice upon which the labour movement was founded.
6. Knowledge and understanding of our Union's history are invaluable tools for charting our course into the future. We shall educate our membership, particularly the young as to the origins of the Union, the privations and hardships endured by our fore- fathers and foremothers, the basic principles they strived for.
7. The strength of this Union lies in the strength and intelligence within each and every member of this Union. We shall maintain a democratic, industrial organization and guarantee every member the rights of vote, free speech and fair trial in order that all may contribute each in their own way to the overall strength of the Union. We shall formulate policy through the democratic machinery of the Local and assure that no clique or group shall dominate or control this Local.
8. All rights and duties, always, must belong without discrimination to each member of this organization as long as they abide by the Constitution and Bylaws. We hereby vest the funds, property assets, and affairs of the Local, exclusively in the Membership of the Local.