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Dockworker raises safety and contract concerns after incidents at Pier 35; commissioners request follow‑up on Pier 35 and Pier 80
Summary
A public commenter described safety incidents at Pier 35 and alleged contract violations involving crew performing longshore work; commissioners asked staff to report back on stevedore coordination, visitor information at cruise terminals and the viability of Pier 80 for cruise operations.
During public comment at the April 22 Port Commission meeting, Demetrius Williams raised safety concerns about recent activity at Pier 35 and other Port facilities and urged the Port to enforce existing labor agreements.
Williams described an incident he said occurred on March 31 at Pier 35 in which lines "broke loose" and a vessel moved about 50 feet; he said the episode raised concerns for passenger and worker safety. He also told the commission he has written letters to Metro Cruises alleging that the company allowed crew members to perform gear‑handling work that Williams said is covered by the miscellaneous dock worker agreement (MDWA) between Local 10 and PMA employers. Williams asked the Port to require that longshore work be performed by workers covered by the applicable agreement and to provide copies of any contracts that allow otherwise.
Commissioners responded with requests that staff follow up. Commissioner Steven Lee asked whether a city agency or visitor bureau provides information at cruise terminals about local businesses and attractions; Executive Director Elaine Forbes said she would look into the question and report back. Vice President Gail Gilman asked for an informational item on Pier 80’s viability as a secondary cruise terminal and a briefing on visitor and workforce safety at Pier 35; she also asked staff for breakdowns distinguishing embarkation (full‑turn) calls from transit or in‑port calls because the economic impact differs.
Commissioner Willie Adams said he was concerned about passenger safety and said he expected follow‑up from staff on meetings with labor representatives. The commission’s new business calendar included a request to report on Pier 80 for cruise use, visitor and workforce safety at Pier 35, and an update on maritime projects including offshore wind activity.
Port staff noted they had met with ILWU Local 10 leadership; the meeting record shows commissioners seeking further updates and additional information at a future commission meeting. The public commenter’s written letters and the public remarks are part of the meeting record; no formal action or vote resulted from the public comment.
