Dave Arian
Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project
The Port of Los Angeles celebrated its Centennial on December 9, 2007. As part of the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project, these interviews feature various members of the Los Angeles Harbor Area community who were interviewed in 2007 to document different eras in Port history.
National Capital Contracting
Dave Arian was born in 1946 in Los Angeles and grew up in the harbor area near Terminal Island. His father, known as "honest Lou," was a longshoreman and a significant influence on Arian's life. Arian began his career on the waterfront in 1969 and became involved in the labor movement, eventually serving as the international president of the union. He was elected president of Local 13 in 1984, a position he held for a significant period. His commitment to building future leadership marked Arian's involvement in the labor movement. His experiences and perspectives were shaped by his interactions with influential figures in the labor movement, including Pete Grassi and Bill Rivera. Arian's father's influence, his early experiences on the waterfront, and his commitment to collective interests were pivotal in shaping his career as a labor leader.
Scope and Content Note
This interview with Dave Arian offers a comprehensive overview of the labor movement on the waterfront, encapsulating pivotal moments, challenges, and victories from the perspective of a seasoned longshoreman and labor leader. The discussion begins with a historical examination of the waterfront labor movement, including the pre-union conditions, the significant 1934 strike, and the shape-up system that once dominated hiring practices. Arian provides insight into the legal battles faced by the union, particularly those concerning allegations of favoritism in the 1960s and 1970s. The narrative then shifts to Arian's personal journey within the labor movement, highlighting the influence of his family, his early experiences on the waterfront, and his ascent to the presidency of Local 13. He reflects on the importance of union democracy and collective action, sharing anecdotes that illustrate the human element of labor struggles. The interview also delves into strategic victories and errors on both sides of the labor dispute, including the handling of Taft-Hartley fines and government interventions. Arian discusses the evolution of the waterfront industry, touching upon technological advancements, landmark contracts, and the impact of containerization on labor practices. Finally, Arian shares an account of the 2002 lockout, detailing the negotiation process, the strategic missteps by employers, and the solidarity shown by labor groups, politicians, and international allies.
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