Founder and leader of the ILWU, Harry Bridges was one of the outstanding labor leaders of the 20th Century.
Here are three important videos of Harry Bridges from different decades: (1) a newsreel interview from 1950 after his conviction on perjury charges; (2) the famous 1973 Bill Moyers' interview in which they examine his career; (3) his memorable 1986 speech to Local 23 celebrating the 100th anniversary of longshore unionism in Tacoma
This 1950 newsreel clip shows Harry Bridges following his perjury conviction for denying that he had been a member of the Communist Party. He replies to reporters' questions showing the wit and radical idealism for which he was famous. (1 minute-windows media format)
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In 1973, Bill Moyers interviewed Harry Bridges about his life-long dedication to the labor movement, his radicalism, and his commitment to struggles for equality. This 48 minute interview captured Bridges at age 72. It is perhaps the most detailed and compelling interview he granted. It was broadcast on PBS and recorded by Ronald Magden with Bill Moyers' permission. (48 min)
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In 1986, Local 23 celebrated 100 years of longshore unionism in Tacoma. 85-year-old Harry Bridges shared his memories of the local, the 1934 strike, the struggle to win coast-wide union recognition, and the importance of interracial unionism. And he reminds the audience of the words he lived by all his life: “put your faith in the rank-and-file.” (8 min)
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