Ray Houtman, born on June 6, 1955, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, is a longshoreman with a rich family history in the industry. His grandparents, originally from Cape Verde, immigrated to the United States in the early 1900s. On his father's side, Houtman's great-grandfather hailed from the West Indies. Growing up in a predominantly Cape Verdean community, Houtman's family has been involved in longshoremen work for several generations. Houtman's father was a longshoreman for over 40 years, and Houtman himself has been working as a longshoreman for about 32 years. The New Bedford waterfront, where he operates, has a strong Cape Verdean presence, with approximately 90% of the local longshoremen being of Cape Verdean descent. The local longshoremen's union, ILA (International Longshoremen's Association), was established in 1936 and has played a vital role in maintaining work and preserving the rights of the workers.

Scope and Content Note
Ray Houtman, a longshoreman, discusses his role in loading and unloading cargo ships, highlighting the use of cranes and machinery for these operations. He explains the teamwork and gang structure within the longshoremen community and the importance of effective communication through standardized hand signals. Union membership provides job security based on seniority and accumulated work hours. Longshoremen take pride in their physically demanding work and appreciate the outdoor environment. Houtman mentions the challenges faced by the New Bedford port, such as the size of ships and the hurricane barrier. He contrasts the ships in Providence, describing enormous vessels carrying foreign cars. Work culture among longshoremen involves humor and sharing jokes during stand-by times. Houtman acknowledges the presence of women in the profession and emphasizes gender equality. Productivity is essential, and the position of a gang boss depends on the gang's performance. Houtman expresses his ambition to become a crane operator and discusses the history and structure of the Union, which formed to improve working conditions. Safety regulations and inspections by OSHA ensure compliance. Houtman sympathizes with the fishing industry and notes improvements in ship conditions over time. Overall, the interview provides insights into the longshoremen profession, work culture, and Houtman's personal experiences and aspirations.