Arnold Zevallos Photography

08/25/2026

08/17/2026

07/26/2026

Inside the dispatch hall, the process that keeps the waterfront moving is built on a system that has remained largely unchanged for generations. Earlier today, I was given a rare tour of dispatch and had the opportunity to photograph inside the “fishbowl,” where jobs are assigned.

Every day, dispatch depends on an organized system of job slips, stamps and paperwork to ensure workers are sent where they’re needed. While technology has changed much of the world, the foundation of this process continues to rely on the same methods that have served longshore workers for decades.

Behind every dispatched job is a carefully maintained routine that reflects the history, discipline and traditions of the ILWU. Sometimes the most important stories aren’t found on the docks—they’re found in the room that keeps the waterfront running.

07/25/2026

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07/22/2026

Yesterday at 10 a.m., ILWU Local 10 members walked off the job and headed to Crockett after Local 10 President Mike Villeggiante announced that the hatches on the Thai Herald had been opened. According to the union, the vessel was being worked by non-ILWU labor at Levin-Richmond Terminal.

Members spent the day picketing outside the C&H Sugar refinery in Crockett in support of fellow union workers and in defense of ILWU jurisdiction.

As the day unfolded, tensions escalated. Several verbal confrontations occurred as individuals attempted to cross the picket line. According to the union, some non-ILWU workers attempted to break through the line. By the end of the day, four ILWU Local 10 members had been arrested.

Being there was a humbling experience. The solidarity shown by Local 10 members, retirees, family members and supporters was a reminder that the strength of a union is measured by the willingness of its members to stand together, especially during difficult moments.

An injury to one is an injury to all.

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07/09/2026

RICHMOND, Calif., July 8—About 150 to 200 people gathered at the Richmond-Levine Port Thursday for the third day of a protest. Participants, many from ILWU Local 10, along with other local unions not affiliated with ILWU and Filipino political activist groups, marched peacefully to raise concerns about the unloading of CNH raw sugar product onto the port. They noted the sugar came from the Philippines, where farmers often face difficult working conditions. Organizers also pointed out that the unloading was supposed to happen at CNH in Crockett, and by bypassing the ship to Richmond, CNH is taking jobs away from warehouse workers of Local 6, who are currently on strike. Meanwhile, operating engineers at the port, unloading the sugar in an area surrounded by various industrial businesses, face growing risks as dust and particulates from those industries mix with the raw sugar. While the sugar can be refined, a percentage of these contaminants cannot be fully filtered out and could be ingested. The protest was calm, but speakers gave life to the crowd, energizing the movement. The port—surrounded by industrial businesses that process petroleum, cement, coal, aggregate, and scrap metal—poses a serious concern. While we tried to speak with port employees, some declined to comment, and others said they were in solidarity but bound by contract restrictions. The demonstration remained calm, and organizers say the protest will continue. If you can, avoid purchasing CNH products—knowing they are processed alongside industrial dust, it’s not really appealing to support their products—until further notice.

An injury to one is an injury to all.

07/04/2026

RICHMOND, Calif. — Members of ILWU Local 10 gathered Thursday outside the Levin-Richmond Terminal in support of striking ILWU Local 6 workers during an ongoing labor dispute involving the C&H Sugar refinery in Crockett.

The strike is now in its second week at the C&H Sugar refinery. According to union representatives, the dispute centers on proposed contract changes they say would reduce pay, limit retiree medical benefits for future retirees, and cut sick leave.

With operations at the Crockett refinery disrupted by the strike, C&H Sugar has moved sugar shipments to the Levin-Richmond Terminal for unloading.

ILWU members said the terminal is not a sugar processing facility and is located in a heavily industrial area surrounded by metal recycling, aggregate processing, petroleum-related operations, and other industrial businesses. Protesters raised concerns about the sugar being handled in such an industrial environment.

During unloading operations, sugar from the vessel was allegedly placed directly onto the ground before being moved for processing. ILWU representatives contend the work falls under Local 6’s jurisdiction and said members of the Operating Engineers are performing work traditionally assigned to ILWU Local 6. Protesters also referred to the workers handling the cargo as “scabs,” a term commonly used by labor unions to describe workers who cross a picket line.

Union members also noted statements of solidarity from U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders as the strike continues.

Union members urged consumers to support the strike by avoiding C&H Sugar products until the labor dispute is resolved.

📷 Photos by Arnold Zevallos

05/02/2026

May 1 isn’t just another day — it’s May Day 2026.

A day rooted in the long fight for workers’ rights, born out of the struggle for the eight-hour workday, and still a symbol of labor solidarity around the world.

At ILWU Local 10, the union meeting was held on May Day.

The hall took time to honor Willie Dixon, plug No. 3007, one of the oldest living members of the union. Ahead of his 107th birthday on May 3, he was presented with a plaque recognizing his place in ILWU history.

Members reflected on Dixon’s words shared in the hall — a reminder of an older tradition on the waterfront. He spoke about looking out for fellow workers, and how if he saw a brother who hadn’t been working, he would step aside and give up his own job so someone else could work.

Forty-four Class B members were also promoted to Class A status — a major step in their working lives and access to steady work.

After the meeting, members headed to Embarcadero Plaza in San Francisco, across from the Ferry Building, for a May Day rally.

Unions in attendance included the Inlandboatmen’s Union, SEIU, and ILWU members across classifications. Signs, banners, and flags filled the space.

Different unions. Same message: solidarity.