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Effects of Labor Racketeering in the Marine Transportation Industry of New York Harbor

NCJ Number
90197
Author(s)
N G Walsh
Date Published
1982
Length
74 pages
Annotation
This study examines the patterns of corruption and organized crime's involvement in the New York International Longshoremens Association (ILA) and the marine transportation activities of New York Harbor; alternatives for dealing with this labor racketeering are identified.
Abstract
The opening chapter traces the development and analyzes the patterns of interaction between the ILA, organized crime, and the shipping enterprises of the Port of New York. Special attention is given to how legitimate marine enterprises (shipping companies and stevedore firms) are affected by labor racketeering and how the cost of racketeering in marine transportation enterprises is borne by the consumer of the products involved. The infiltration of legitimate businesses by mobsters is shown by case histories. Methods for infiltrating the businesses are described, and the conditions that make legitimate businesses vulnerable to criminal infiltration are identified. Government investigations into marine labor racketeering are documented, both nationwide and in New York, and suggestions are offered for how government intervention in marine labor racketeering can be most effective. Cooperation between the noncorrupt elements of industry, unions, and government agencies responsible for the integrity of port enterprises is urged. The appendix discusses the backgrounds and activities of particular New York marine labor racketeers; 36 bibliographic entries are provided.