ILWU Contract Update:  Sept. 11, 2002

After last week’s tentative agreement on medical benefits, the negotiations have reverted back to the clerk technology question.  The Union’s original document on the issue was resubmitted to the PMA.  To summarize, the Union conceded the free flow of information question in order to move the industry forward.  In return, the Union demanded that all remaining work and new work that may be created by technology be performed by ILWU marine clerks.  Also, the Union demanded that vessel, yard and rail planning coastwise come under ILWU jurisdiction.

PMA’s response to this document was to accept the free flow of information, but give nothing in return.  The PMA backed off their previous position that any new work would be ILWU, and vaguely stated that new work would not necessarily fall under ILWU jurisdiction.  In addition, the PMA reiterated that coastwise planning is not available to the Union.  The employers continue to try to insist on ways to outsource work that should belong to the ILWU.

At this point in the negotiations, PMA seems to be insistent on taking everything and giving nothing.  Nonetheless, the union will continue to try to achieve an equitable settlement on the technology issue and will present a response to the employers later this week.

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