What is the primary role of the International ILWU president?

The primary role of the International ILWU president involves providing overall leadership and representation of the ILWU at a national level. This position is critical as the president sets the vision and direction for the union, advocating for its members' interests, policy positions, and collective bargaining efforts. The president represents the ILWU in broader labor issues, engages with federal and state labor relations, and works to unify local chapters around common goals and strategies.

While overseeing local organizations is an important responsibility, it is not limited to that task alone. Managing day-to-day operations is typically delegated to other officers or staff within the organization, allowing the president to focus on strategic leadership and national representation. Negotiating individual contracts is usually the role of local unions or specific bargaining representatives rather than the International president, who addresses more comprehensive agreements and overarching policy matters affecting the entire union. This underscores the multi-faceted nature of the president's role in shaping labor relations and advocating for the ILWU on a national platform.