The Preamble to the ILWU Constitution

Since the beginning of history mankind has struggled individually and collectively for political, economic and cultural betterment, and has the greatest ability to make advancement through democratic organization to achieve common aims.

Therefore, we who have the common objectives to advance the living standards of ourselves and our fellow workers everywhere in the world, to promote the general welfare of our nation and our communities, to banish racial and religious prejudice and discrimination, to strengthen democracy everywhere and achieve permanent peace in the world, do form ourselves into one, indivisible union and adapt the following constitution to guide our conduct and protect our democracy within the union.