West Coast Longshore Contract Campaign

Weekly Member Update:  Sept. 5, 2002

Update from the Bargaining Table:  

On Sunday, Sept. 1 talks with the PMA broke down.  After apparently showing willingness to find middle ground on a benefits package, PMA chief Joe Miniace proceeded to drastically change the terms of the deal, effectively sabotaging the negotiations.  At that point we opted to end our practice of renewing the old contract for another 24 hours each day. Moments later Miniace contacted the White House, contradicting the PMA’s claim that they do not want the Bush Administration involved. 

We returned to the table in subcommittees on Wednesday after the PMA agreed to take each issue individually rather than linking them to other issues.  At 8:00 p.m. that day we were able to reach tentative agreement on a benefits plan.  This was a critical plank in our bargaining program.  The tentative agreement is just the first step in a long road to an agreement between the ILWU and PMA. We continue talks today with a focus on technology.

Seattle Times Runs Strong Op-Ed in Support of ILWU

The Labor Day edition of the Seattle Times included an excellent op-ed piece by University of Washington Professor David J. Olson on the current labor negotiations.  In the op-ed, Olson attacks the Bush Administration for meddling in the ILWU’s business, and defends the right of ILWU to pursue a fair contract. 

“The timing of the Bush intervention interrupts the bargaining process, and its threats inflame workers' passions,” Olson writes.  “Just why should workers bargain in good faith when the government has already forecast its position in case of a slowdown or a strike, and has sided with employers regardless of the outcome of negotiations?”

Olson leaves no doubt regarding the best way to proceed.  “The sane course for the Bush administration is to back off, leave well enough alone, allow the bargaining process to resume and retire to the sidelines, rather than interject itself into labor disputes with bluster and threats,” he concludes.  Go to our website at www.ilwu.org to read the entire article.

Los Angeles Mayor Hahn Issues Strong Letter to Bush on Supporting ILWU:  This week Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn sent a letter to President Bush calling on him not to intervene in the contract negotiations between the ILWU and PMA.  "Federal intervention at this critical juncture is not needed and may well exacerbate the dispute," Hahn wrote.  

Rev. Jesse Jackson Speaks out on Behalf of West Coast Longshore Workers:  The Rev. Jesse Jackson joined the ILWU at the Labor Day march and rally in L.A. to show his solidarity with our struggle for a fair contract.  At the event Jackson urged ILWU workers to stand strong against the bullying tactics of the Bush Administration.  Rev. Jackson also pledged to return if the PMA continues its refusal to negotiate with longshore workers.  Today Jackson headlined a media event in Los Angeles to bring additional attention to the ILWU struggle and the need to secure a fair contract without the intervention of the Bush Administration.

Resolution in Support of ILWU Enacted in California Legislature:  AJR 37, a resolution pledging strong support for the ILWU in the continuing battle for a fair contract, passed the California State Senate this week.  The same resolution passed the Assembly last week. It calls on the Bush Administration to stay out of the negotiations between the ILWU and the PMA, is an important statement on the depth of support for ILWU workers whose union rights are under assault.

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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