Justine Arian

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project

Description

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.

Interviewer
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting

Audio
Transcript
Abstract

Justine Arian was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project in Los Angeles, California. Justine Arian was born in 1972 in Harbor City, California, and grew up in a family deeply connected to the Port of Los Angeles, with both her father and grandfather working there. Although she did not have a hands-on experience with the port as a child, Arian grew up hearing stories about it and became familiar with its significance to her family. The interview covers Arian's journey into the longshore industry. Initially, she pursued a degree in psychology and social behavior and worked in nonprofit organizations. However, at her father’s encouragement, she applied for a position at the port and eventually became a longshore worker. She details the physical and mental challenges she faced during the rigorous testing and training process, including intense gym training to meet the job’s demands. Arian shares her experiences with the lashing test, working with heavy steel bars, and driving semi-tractor trucks, emphasizing the physical endurance required for her role. The interview highlights the gender dynamics in the industry, including the challenges Arian faced as a woman in a male-dominated environment, such as dealing with skepticism and comments from male colleagues. Despite these obstacles, she received respect through her work ethic and perseverance. Arian also discusses her family’s influence, her father's strong involvement in union politics, and how her upbringing shaped her views on labor and unions. She describes balancing her work with motherhood and her aspirations beyond the port, such as her interest in childbirth education and life coaching.


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