West Coast Longshore Contract Campaign
Weekly Member Update: Aug. 29, 2002
Back at the Table: Monday, ILWU bargainers worked inhouse to prepare their bargaining strategy. The union and PMA negotiators met Tuesday afternoon, Aug 27 at the PMA offices. Discussions centered around the issues of benefits, the Coast arbitrator selection process and port security.
The ILWU proposed putting out the Preferred Provider plan to bid in an attempt to find a way to provide members at least the same level of benefits they currently enjoy at a cost saving to the employer. The union is looking to find a PPO plan with a greater number of providers, and to increase access, quality and patient satisfaction. The union also proposed that the search for and selection of a future Coast Arbitrator be kept to someone within the industry.
On port security, the ILWU proposed checking container seals and empty containers as easy first steps to immediately increase security significantly while we continue to await new government regulations.
The ILWU Negotiating Committee gathered at the PMA offices at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday as scheduled, but the employers were not ready to talk until 3:00. When the parties finally met, the union passed two documents across the table.
The ILWU’s first proposal was on increasing port security. As requested by the employers the day before, the union presented a security blueprint for the industry to be implemented as we await a comprehensive plan from the government. The letter calls for the union and the employers to jointly develop a security plan for each port and for any work covered by the contract that needs to be done for security to be done by ILWU members. It also calls for container seals and empties to be inspected. (See attached letter for details.)
The union’s second package was a demand document that included the union’s original technology proposal. The employers stated that they needed time to review the document and would get back to the union Thursday regarding future meetings.
No meetings were scheduled between the parties on Thursday as the PMA requested. The union team met at the International to prepare for Friday’s meeting with the PMA.
Get Involved in ILWU Labor Day Rallies: Three major Labor Day events are taking place on Monday at West Coast Port Cities. These events, in Wilmington, Seattle and Portland, are an excellent opportunity for ILWU members to wear their union colors and tell local communities about our important struggle for a fair contract. The Portland event begins at 10 am at the Oaks Amusement Park, while the L.A. Harbor event will be a march leaving from the corner of Broad and E Streets in Wilmington, and ending with an afternoon rally beginning at noon at Banning Park. The Seattle Labor Day event will be held at Woodland Park, Shelters 1, 2 & 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please be sure to participate in your local Labor Day activities, and bring the whole family.
Washington Governor Speaks out on Behalf of ILWU: Washington Governor Gary Locke made public this week his strong support for the ILWU in our continuing struggle to secure a fair contract without the intervention of the Bush Administration. Not only did he call on the Bush Administration to stay out of the ILWU/PMA negotiations, but he also signaled in no uncertain terms that he would not support any military buildup to bust the union. “I understand that your administration has notified the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) that you are seriously considering using the National Guard, military, or other personnel to assist in a lockout of the ILWU longshore workers in the event of an impasse in West Coast contract negotiations,” wrote Locke in his Aug. 27 letter to Bush. “I oppose the use of the military and any activation of the National Guard for this purpose.” Locke joins a broad and growing coalition of ILWU supporters which includes U.S. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy, and dozens of other mayors, members of Congress, state legislators and local officials. Text of the letter is available on our web site at www.ilwu.org.
L.A. Harbor Board Approves Strong Pro-ILWU Resolution: This week, the decision-making body at the largest port in the country made clear its strong opposition to the intervention of the Bush Administration in ILWU contract negotiations. The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners voted unanimously on Wednesday to support the Los Angeles City Council’s resolution calling on the Bush Administration to stay out. The resolution specifically voices opposition to invocation of a Taft-Hartley injunction, removing ILWU members from coverage under the National Labor Relations Act, and use of military personnel by the Bush Administration to lock out ILWU workers. This strong resolution makes it clear that Los Angeles Port officials are standing firmly with ILWU members in our continuing fight for a fair contract without the threat of federal government intervention. Text of the resolution is available on our web site at www.ilwu.org.
Yet More Strong Support: California Assembly Passes ILWU Resolution
The California State Assembly also came out in strong support this week for the ILWU, passing a resolution calling on the Bush Administration to stay out of ILWU/PMA negotiations. Authored by Assemblymember Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach), the resolution calls on the President to end his threats to invoke Taft-Hartley or send troops to bust the union. This latest show of support brings additional pressure to the federal government to allow ILWU to negotiate on an equal playing field without the constant threat of outside intervention. The resolution is expected to move quickly through the Senate within the next 24 hours. Text of the resolution is available on our web site at www.ilwu.org
West Coast ILWU Representatives to Attend East Coast Events: In port cities up and down the East Coast, the International Longshoremen’s Association and the Teamsters are holding rallies Friday Aug. 30 and Monday Sept. 2 to show solidarity for West Coast ILWU members and our right to a fair contract with the PMA. The ILWU is sending representatives to speak to six of the ten events.
Web site Updated Daily: It is extremely important that ILWU members stay up to date on the important developments in the ongoing campaign to secure a fair contract for our members. This is why we urge all members to check the web site frequently. We update the site on a daily basis with the latest details on the status of the bargaining campaign. Please go to www.ilwu.org on a regular basis for the latest news. And don’t forget to pick up the latest copy of The Dispatcher for more information on major issues affecting ILWU members.
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