Hochul Affirms: Timeless Struggle Against Mob Influence at the Waterfront

In a clash of interests, the city’s dockworkers union is pushing back against Governor Hochul’s proposal to establish a new Waterfront Commission aimed at combating organized-crime corruption. The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), representing the New York sector, is adamant about halting what they perceive as an unnecessary expenditure of $5 million to maintain port cleanliness.

The ILA’s stance is not without precedent. Last year, the union’s New Jersey branch successfully persuaded Garden State Governor Phil Murphy to close down the bi-state Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor. Now, they are determined to thwart Governor Hochul’s follow-up initiative.

James “Cadillac” McMahon, spokesperson for the ILA, vehemently asserts that the era depicted in the iconic 1953 film “On the Waterfront” with Marlon Brando is long gone. According to McMahon, allocating $5 million to preserve the port’s integrity is an outdated approach, seemingly oblivious to the persistent influence of organized crime on the waterfront.

Contrary to McMahon’s claims, mob involvement in the waterfront is far from eradicated. The previous commission played a pivotal role in prosecuting organized crime figures operating in and around local ports. Notably, it contributed to the 2021 conviction of a Gambino capo on charges of fraud and racketeering.

Moreover, the defunct commission was instrumental in ensuring fair hiring practices, particularly concerning women and minorities. Recent allegations have surfaced against the ILA, accusing it of discriminatory practices in union membership applications based on race, national origin, or gender.

Read more:

Governor Hochul’s determination to resurrect a watchdog for New York Harbor is commendable. The proposed $5 million investment seems a modest price to pay for shielding consumers from potential mob-related taxes on goods entering or leaving the port. Additionally, it serves as a preventive measure to curb organized crime’s infiltration into local union councils.

While unions typically enjoy legislative support, the ILA’s resistance to the Waterfront Commission plan raises questions about where loyalties lie. The governor’s initiative isn’t a stand against unions; rather, it’s a necessary step to preserve the integrity of the labor movement. Hochul’s plan aligns with broader objectives, protecting workers’ rights and the economy from criminal influences.

In the face of opposition, it becomes crucial for honest unions to reconsider their stance. The goal should be to keep the labor movement untainted by any association with organized crime. Governor Hochul’s proposal reflects a commitment to maintaining a clean and transparent system, ensuring fair practices in the workforce and safeguarding economic interests.

The clash between the dockworkers union and the governor underscores a broader challenge within the labor movement. It is one thing for legislators to support unions in their fight for workers’ rights, but an entirely different matter when it comes to aligning with criminal elements. In this context, New York’s honest unions should leverage their influence in Albany to support Governor Hochul and champion the cause of a corruption-free waterfront.

In conclusion, the proposed Waterfront Commission is not an attack on the labor movement but a strategic move to protect it from the taint of organized crime. Governor Hochul’s initiative, backed by a $5 million budget, is a prudent investment in securing fair practices, ensuring the cleanliness of the port, and preventing the resurgence of mob influence. It is now up to the unions, especially those committed to honesty and transparency, to reconsider their position and stand with the governor in the pursuit of a corruption-free and thriving waterfront.