NORTH AMERICA

US government takes on waterfront mafia

21 years ago

The mafias port interests may have been immortalised in On The Waterfront, but the US government doesnt find the real thing entertaining. With a view to reclaiming the docks from the mob, officials have filed suit against the International Longshoremens Association, naming both union top brass and organised crime bosses.

Longshoremen back then: government wants to reclaim the waterfront

Of the total, Santos will receive US$59.32m, which is 600% higher than money allocated in 2004. Much of this is allocated to the construction of a perimeter road to serve the 16km of quay in the port, where the aim is to reduce congestion currently afflicting the port and surrounding area.

The ILA, which represents over 45,000 dockworkers, expressed dismay in a statement pointing out its efforts in combating corruption. It went on to accuse the government of acting on “stale allegations while ignoring longstanding efforts to strengthen union members’ rights and eradicate unlawful conduct.” But the lawsuit is going ahead, naming union president John Bower alongside members of the Gambino family, and seeking court orders barring certain officials and mobsters from union involvement. US prosecutors may invoke a federal law known as RicoRacketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations Act – to take over the union and several union benefit plans.