West Coast Longshore Contract Campaign

Weekly Member Update:  Sept. 26, 2002

Update from the Bargaining Table:   The PMA backed off from its lockout threats last Thursday, clearing the way for the two sides to return to the table on Friday.  After working on Saturday, the ILWU team presented its latest technology proposal.  The PMA continues to reject Union language that would prevent the outsourcing of ILWU clerks’ work.  The PMA technology subcommittee agreed to submit the ILWU’s concerns over jurisdiction and arbitration to the Executive Committee on Saturday.

Both sides returned to the table Monday afternoon to discuss the PMA Executive Committee’s position on the items of contention in the technology proposals.  No agreement was reached at that time.  Subcommittee meetings continued on Tuesday and Wednesday, but no significant developments occurred.  PMA representatives appeared confused on their own notion of what ought to be included in the technology package, a fact which makes finding any resolution highly problematic.

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.  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 PMA has been telling the media that we have reached agreement on a technology framework, but this is simply not the case.  We have exhausted the technology discussion at this point.  In the coming days, the bargaining team will turn to the issues such as safety, pension and wages.

Committee Passes Resolution Asking Longshore Workers to Increase Safety:  The ILWU Negotiating Committee passed a resolution today, Sept. 26, calling on members to redouble efforts to improve safety on the docks.  The resolution, distributed to all locals, calls on longshore workers to follow all safety procedures including speed limits, to refrain from working extended shifts, working through lunch hours, or doubling back.  It also calls on ILWU members to ensure that all military sustainment cargo is handled without any difficulties or delay.

ILWU Files Unfair Labor Practice Claim against PMA:  On Thursday, Sept. 19, we filed an Unfair Labor Practice complaint against the PMA on several counts.  Our complaint alleges that PMA has unlawfully demanded top-handler labor from employees not certified to operate such machinery.  Further, we hold that PMA has engaged in illegal side negotiations with Local 13 members in Los Angeles, and that they have threatened an unlawful lockout.  The ULP will be considered by the National Labor Relations Board.

Bush Administration States in Writing it Will Stay out of ILWU/PMA Negotiations:  This week, the Bush Department of Labor denied outright in writing that they have any intention of intervening in the ILWU/PMA labor negotiations.  The Bush Administration states in the document that it has no plans to break up the union, send troops, or place longshore workers under the Railway Labor Act.  This pledge comes after months of threats and innuendo from the Bush Administration which have been exposed by the ILWU in the media.  As the list of elected officials speaking out against Bush intervention continues to grow, it becomes increasingly untenable for the Administration to threaten ILWU workers into accepting PMA demands.

SF Chronicle Offers Insight into Gamma Ray Issue:  Worker safety remains a very serious issue in the ongoing contract negotiations.  One area of serious contention is the VACIS system which the ILWU believes may expose workers to potentially dangerous gamma rays.  As noted in the Chronicle article this week, no credible longterm study on the impact of gamma rays has been produced.  The VACIS systems have been arriving in recent months at West Coast ports, and the ILWU believes it is time to conduct serious research into the longterm health effects before we move any further with the technology.

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.

URGENT NOTE ON DISTRIBUTION OF THIS DOCUMENT:  Officials at each ILWU local should ensure that copies of this update are distributed widely to the membership each Thursday promptly after it arrives.  Thank you for your active participation in this process.