And the Winners Are...

by Trudy Kelly Forsythe
Saint John Times Globe

Giving comes naturally to the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) Local 273, it seems. In fact, that generosity is where the union's scholarship and bursary program came from.

It all began in the early eighties when former shipping agent Harold E. Kane set aside money for a scholarship program. Then, the local added to the fund by diverting money from successful grievances and dispute settlements.

Each year ILA Local 273 offers a $1,000 scholarship and two $500 bursaries to the sons and daughters of the local. The successful scholarship candidate must attend the University of New Brunswick in Saint John while the bursary winners must attend the New Brunswick Community College - Saint John. Some of the criteria to win the bursary includes scholastic ability, participation in community affairs and need, the latter of which is a major component.

An essay contest began last year, as a project to commemorate the local's 150th anniversary, but will be an on-going initiative. The local offers $500 prizes to essay winners in five local high schools including Simonds High School, St. Vincent's High School, St. Malachy's High School, Harbour View High School and Saint John High School.

Students are asked to submit a 750 to 1,000 word essay on one of several topics, including: Give a summary of trade union history in the Saint John area, pre-1930; give a summary of trade union history in the Saint John area from 1930 to present; what do you think is the most important problem facing the labour movement and how do you think that problem can be solved? And what is the value of unions to workers and society? The competition is open to all Grade 12 Students and is not restricted to the children of Local 273 members.

ILA Local 273 scholarship and bursary
winners for 1999: Shannon Hayes,
Keith Shannon and Charles Smith Jr.

ILA Local 273 essay winners for 1999:
David Willis, Natasha Hogan, and Megan Kerr.