The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Longshore Caucus announced Thursday, July 25, 2002 that it has empowered the contract negotiating committee to seek strike authorization from the Union’s membership.

Responding to the employer-based Pacific Maritime Association’s refusal to guarantee continuation of current levels of health benefits for new members and disappointing responses to long sought technology proposals, the union action will allow negotiators to directly request West Coast local strike authorization. This action, a result of the ILWU’s Summer Longshore Contract Caucus, eliminates the necessity of union negotiators having to convene another caucus, and instead gives them the ability to request strike authorization from rank-and-file members.

            The employer’s response to the ILWU technology proposal was exceptionally disappointing considering it included the most extensive job concession package since the historic 1962 M&M Agreement that saw massive manning cuts due to the introduction of the shipping container.

Negative employer response to negotiations is all the more disappointing considering recent gains reported by major West Coast ports. The combined ports of LA/Long Beach, recently reported a new three month record regarding container imports.

            The Union has proposed to extend the contract until August 13, 2002 when negotiations will resume.