Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor: The Agency's Past and Present

The Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor has a rich history that spans over six decades. Established in 1953, the agency was created to combat organized crime and corruption on the waterfront.

The commission's early years were marked by a series of high-profile investigations and prosecutions that targeted notorious gangsters and corrupt union officials. One notable example is the 1959 conviction of the notorious waterfront boss, Johnny Dio.

The commission's efforts led to significant improvements in the safety and working conditions of waterfront workers. In the 1960s, the agency implemented regulations that required waterfront employers to provide safer working conditions and better compensation for their employees.

Today, the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor continues to play a vital role in maintaining the safety and integrity of the waterfront.

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The Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor was set up in August 1953 to combat labor racketeering and unfair hiring practices on the waterfront.

The commission was created in response to the growing number of crimes being committed on the waterfront, and it was authorized to deny or revoke the registration or licenses of those who involved themselves in criminal activity.

The commission was initially responsible for screening, registering, and licensing individuals who wanted to work at the dock through the Division of Licensing and Employment Information Centers.

The Waterfront Commission was set up in August 1953 to combat labor racketeering on the waterfront.

The commission was initially created in response to the growing number of crimes being committed on the waterfront, including unfair hiring practices.

It was authorized to deny or revoke the registration or licenses of individuals involved in criminal activity.

The Division of Licensing and Employment Information Centers was responsible for screening, registering, and licensing individuals who wanted to work at the dock.

The commission's main goal was to clean up the corruption, extortion, and racketeering practices that existed on the docks.

This power was based on the 5-P provision of the commission's statute, which allowed it to accept or reject applications for new longshoremen.

This provision was a key tool in the commission's fight against corruption and racketeering on the waterfront.

The commission's history is closely tied to the movie "On the Waterfront", which depicted the corruption and exploitation that existed on the docks.

The commission was created to address the problems shown in the movie, including corrupt union leaders and mob loan sharks.

The commission's efforts have had a lasting impact on the waterfront, helping to reduce crime and improve working conditions for dock workers.

Here are some key dates in the commission's history:

The history of corruption on the docks is a dark and troubled one. It was a place where corrupt union leaders would only give the day's jobs to union members who agreed to pay a portion of their wages back to the bosses.

The movie "On the Waterfront" depicts this era vividly, showing the mob's influence and the exploitation of dock workers. It was a time of extortion and racketeering practices that led to the creation of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

The Port Authority was created to clean up this corruption, but its 5-P provision still gives it the power to accept or reject applications for new longshoremen. This power is rooted in the commission's original purpose: to stop the corrupt practices that existed on the docks.

The 2014 OLS opinion suggests that one state cannot unilaterally withdraw from the commission, which would likely lead to a court challenge if New Jersey were to try to pull out.

The Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor operated in a specific area, focusing on property owned by the commission in Lower Manhattan, Red Hook Brooklyn, and Howland Hook Terminal in Staten Island.

Their law enforcement efforts were limited to these locations, which allowed them to maintain a strong presence in the area.

The commission worked closely with other law enforcement authorities to investigate crimes related to the waterfront.

These collaborations enabled them to gather more information and build stronger cases against those involved in waterfront-related crimes.

The commission's focus on these specific areas allowed them to effectively address the unique challenges and issues present in the waterfront community.

The Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor is responsible for investigating and overseeing organized crime in the port. The commission has participated in investigations against the Gambino crime family and union leaders, bringing charges of racketeering conspiracy, extortion, and other crimes.

The commission will regulate the occupations of longshore workers, stevedores, pier superintendents, hiring agents, and security officers to ensure fair employment practices. This includes licensing companies and individuals to work on the piers in New York State.

The commission will also conduct comprehensive background checks of individuals and companies to ensure they meet the applicable standards and qualifications to work and operate in the port. Law enforcement personnel, attorneys, and intelligence analysts will be involved in these checks.

The commission's goal is to prevent conditions that result in waterfront laborers suffering from irregular employment, fear, and insecurity. This includes preventing exploitation, extortion, and borrowing at usurious rates of interest.

The commission will collaborate with local and federal law enforcement agencies to conduct investigations into organized crime. This will help to identify and prosecute individuals and organizations involved in these crimes.

The commission will license both companies and individuals to work on the piers located in New York State. It will also maintain registers of eligible applicants and information for their hiring.

The new commission will have a staff of 32 people, the majority of which will operate in a law enforcement capacity. This will enable the commission to effectively investigate and oversee organized crime in the port.