On this day in labor history, the year was 1989.
That was the day the Exxon Valdez oil tanker spilled 10.8 million gallons of oil in Prince William’s Sound, off the coast of Alaska.
The ship ran aground and collided with Bligh’s Reef.
Most people remember the captain was held primarily responsible for the spill.
By his own admission, he had passed out after a night of heavy drinking.
But a number of factors also contributed to the environmental disaster.
The National Transportation Safety Board issued its final report over a year later.
In it, the Board concluded that fatigue, reduced crews and problems with regulations and procedures regarding Exxon’s drug and alcohol program, all contributed to the spill.
Union officials reported great concern regarding chronic fatigue of its members on merchant ships, reduced crews due to greater automation and reduced scheduled ship maintenance.
Crewmembers on the Exxon Valdez routinely worked 20 or more hours a day during routine cargo handling operations.
The NTSB also concluded that Vessel Traffic Service under the U.S. Coast Guard failed to properly track the Exxon Valdez.
They had the ability to select a higher radar scale but didn’t.
The Coast Guard suffered from reduced crews burdened with increased job duties as well.
They also found that remote communications sites were inoperative on the night of the spill.
The equipment was old, deteriorating from harsh weather conditions.
Requested funding for new equipment had not been forthcoming.
The Alyeska Pipeline Company for its part, failed to have an oil spill barge loaded and ready.
Major cleanup efforts were conducted during spring and summer months through 1992.
But marine life and the environments were devastated.
Long-term efforts at monitoring and cleanup continue today.
February 7 - Strike at Cripple Creek
February 6 - Philly Garment Workers Win!
February 5 - The Fight for Craft Governance
February 4 - Solidarity on the Coast
February 3 - Anti-Trust Injunctions Used Against Labor
February 2 - The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
February 1 - A Pivotal Moment in the Flint Sit-Down
January 31 - The Big Easy Fires 7000 Teachers
January 30 - Fred Korematsu Day
January 29 - Bread & Roses Striker, Anna LoPizzo, Shot Dead
January 28 - The 1917 Bath Riots
January 27 - Bans on Yellow Dog Contracts Ruled Unconstitutional
January 26 - Sid Hatfield Stands Trial
January 25 - Solidarity Works!
January 24 - Arturo Alfonso Schomburg is Born
January 23 - If Poison Doesn’t Work, Try Briggs!
January 22 - Tragedy in the Mines & in the Union Hall
January 21 - On Strike for Health & Dignity
January 20 - The Flint Womens Emergency Brigades
January 19 - A Snapshot in Misery
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Regenerative Skills
The Meaningful Life with Andrew G. Marshall
The No-Frills Teacher Podcast
The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast
The Mel Robbins Podcast