West Coast Port 2014 Contract Talks to Begin May 12th
The president of the PMA (Pacific Maritime Association) said that the U.S. West Coast employers’ organization will begin contract negotiations with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union on May 12th.
Retailers and the Agriculture Transportation Coalition wanted negotiations to start as soon as possible so that stability could be provided at the West Coast ports this summer. They also pressed both sides to do whatever it takes to avoid work slowdowns or stoppages. Also they requested to extend the existing contract if it goes beyond July 1st when the ‘no-strike’ clause expires.
According to the ILWU website, here is what the members have directed their negotiating committee to address in the negotiations:
- Stronger safety provisions
- Wages
- More secure benefits
- Greater respect for ILWU jurisdiction
- A reasonable approach to new technology
Absent from this list are the “Cadillac” tax in the federal Affordable Health Care Act and the proposed length of the new contract.
McKenna, the President of the PMA, said those issues will actually be front and center in the negotiations. “The health care plan needs to be addressed,” he said.
Both parties (ILWU and PMA) have agreed to begin negotiations on May 12 and to work non-stop until an agreement is reached.
Leave a Reply