I don't know about the rest of the docks on the West Coast, but it was common knowledge that San Franciscco docks were run by the mob. Guys would either have to know someone or pay a hefty fee to get into the union. Those who could, jumped at the chance to get into the union. While the work was physically demanding, the pay and benefits more than made up for it. Regardless of who runs the union, the workers earned their money in my opinion.
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Army/embassy brat - traveled too much to mention
Moved here from SF Bay Area (East Bay)
"There are only two ways to live your life: One is as though nothing is a miracle; the other is as though everything is a miracle." Albert Einstein
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