John Bowers (unionist)

John Bowers (born 1971) is an American labor leader who currently serves as the President of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU). He was first elected to the position in 2018, succeeding Robert McEllrath.

Bowers' involvement with the ILWU began at Local 10 in San Francisco. He rose through the ranks, serving in various leadership roles within the local before eventually being elected as an International Officer. His experience includes serving as a dispatcher and arbitrator.

As President of the ILWU, Bowers is responsible for representing the interests of the union's members, who work in ports and warehouses across the West Coast of the United States, as well as in Alaska, Hawaii, and British Columbia. His tenure has been marked by negotiations with employers on issues such as wages, benefits, and safety. He has also been involved in advocating for workers' rights and promoting the union's agenda in legislative and political arenas. His leadership has come during a period of increasing automation and evolving supply chain dynamics, presenting new challenges for the ILWU and its members.