ILWU pickets cruise line in Seattle

Longshoremen are holding a series of informational pickets informing customers and community that American Cruise Lines is refusing to use union labor, a standard at West Coast ports

SEATTLE, WA (September 4, 2026) — Longshoremen are keeping the pressure on American Cruise Lines (ACL) to use union labor to dock and load their vessels in Puget Sound ports, holding a series of informational pickets in Tacoma, on the Olympic Peninsula, and now Seattle.

ACL operates a multi-day cruise that stops at towns around the Puget Sound. Public ports on that route, including Olympia, Everett, and Anacortes have declared support for the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), with the Port of Anacortes most recently stating that ACL ships will no longer be permitted to use the port as the company still refuses to use union labor even after months of negotiations with ILWU Local 25.

An ILWU info picket at Shilshole Bay Marina in August. Photo: ILWU Local 23

In August, ACL moved their home base from Tacoma to the Shilshole Bay Marina in Seattle, after more than 20 ILWU pickets. So ILWU is now taking the fight to Seattle with a series of informational pickets, with support from local labor, the community, and elected officials. Their next picket is planned for this Saturday.

From the ILWU Washington Area Council:

Across the West Coast, the use of skilled maritime labor is a longstanding norm that protects workers, safeguards public infrastructure, and ensures accountability on our waterfronts. ACL has consistently sought to avoid these standards and maritime labor’s role in maintaining them. The ILWU is deeply concerned by reports from ACL employees themselves. Workers have come forward with grievances involving low wages, excessive working hours, intimidation, and potential violations of maritime labor standards and regulations.

American Cruise Lines benefits from our ports, our waterways, and our communities. Please join the ILWU to stand up for working families and maritime safety.

TAKE A STAND: Join ILWU siblings for an informational picket on Saturday, September 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Dock A on the south side of the Shilshole Bay Marina (7001 Seaview Avenue NW, Seattle, WA 98117)