Sept. 25, 2002 Bargaining Update

After four and a half months of bargaining efforts and a month of discussions specifically on a technology framework, PMA still cannot reach consensus on how to implement technological change.  The past two weeks in technology subcommittee have produced no substantive agreement due to the unwillingness of the PMA to bargain.

The ILWU has made serious attempts to reach a compromise on technology.  We have provided a comprehensive proposal which would meet the PMA’s demand for free flow of information, even at the expense of hundreds of ILWU jobs.  In exchange, we have requested jurisdiction over the jobs which remain and those which are created by the new technology.

In May, PMA chief Joe Miniace had pledged to work with us to reach a compromise on technology.  “The ILWU members, our registered workforce of longshoremen and clerks,” Miniace stated on May 13, “will be guaranteed work opportunity under this contract, and, more importantly, the opportunity to move into new positions, with methods of work and a secure future.”

 Unfortunately, he has reneged on that promise.

The ILWU Negotiating Committee will meet tomorrow.  We hope to be back in negotiations with the PMA in the near future with the goal of agreeing on a contract as soon as possible.