Terri Mast is a long-time Seattle activist and prominent figure in the cannery workers reform movement and the push for democracy in the Philippines. Born and raised in Seattle, Mast was introduced to activism through her involvement with antiwar movements and women’s liberation. Mast was a key figure in the Union of Democratic Filipino’s (KDP) and is credited with bringing many working-class women to the cause for establishing democracy in the Philippines. Following the assassination of her partner and fellow activist Silme Domingo by gunmen acting under orders from the Marcos dictatorship of the Philippines, Mast took his place in the union leadership at the ILWU 37, The Alaska Cannery Workers Union, and embarked on a long battle to win justice for Silme and fellow fallen activist Gene Viernes. She is currently secretary for the Inlandboatmans Union (IBU). The IBU was founded in 1918 and is the largest inland union representing mariners on the west coast. It prides itself on being one of the most democratic unions in the nation. Mast is also an active member of the Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies Visiting Committee.
Topics: Cannery Workers, Filipino History, Organizing, Civil Rights Activism, Union Administration, History of Activism in Seattle, Filipino American Labor Activism, Women’s Liberation, Women in Labor
