A Working Waterfront

At the heart of the San Francisco waterfront are maritime workers such as ferryboat deckhands, longshore workers, deep-sea sailors, cooks, cleaners, and engineers who move goods and people across the bay and around the world. Deckhands, engineers, and boat captains begin work before sunrise, readying ferryboats for the daily commute. Ferries have been an important form of transit in the bay for over one hundred and fifty years. Ferry service declined following the construction of the Bay Bridge, then revived after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, and has continued to grow with the expanding population. Represented by the Inlandboatmen's Union and the Masters, Mates and Pilots, San Francisco maritime workers are known for their powerful, member-run unions. In 1934, sailors and longshoremen struck for fair hiring practices and safe working conditions. San Francisco maritime unions continue to play an important role in both local and international politics.

Alameda, California · United States