Relaxed Trade Toward Cuba - Effective January 16, 2015 The recently revised regulations implementing recent changes in U.S. trade and other policies toward Cuba became effective on January 16th. However, these changes do not lift the U.S. economic embargo against Cuba but do allow additional trade-related activities. The revisions to the Cuban Embargo … [Read more...]
West Coast Ports: Near Gridlock Despite Mediation
West Coast Ports: Near Gridlock Despite Mediation It is being called War of Words that is escalating the dispute between the PMA and ILWU. The PMA is accusing the union of slowdowns and withholding skilled labor that is a causing almost 'complete grid lock'. The ILWU blasted back saying that the PMA conceded that problems were related to operational issues. It seems … [Read more...]
West Coast Ports UPDATE: Federal Mediation Begins
West Coast Ports UPDATE: Federal Mediation Begins In response to a joint request by the ILWU and PMA, the FMCS (Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service) announced later yesterday: “In response to a joint request for assistance from the parties, collective bargaining between ILWU and PMA representatives will continue as soon as possible under the auspices of the Federal … [Read more...]
West Coast Ports: Conflicts Continues
Per JOC - the 'War of Words' continues.... The ILWU president challenged ocean carrier executives to become directly involved in contract negotiations in order to end the impasse. The PMA shot back that the ILWU's statement "only underscores the need" for federal mediation in the negotiations which the employer group called for on Dec. 22. So far the negotiations between the … [Read more...]
West Coast Ports: The Latest
Everyone is watching the ILWU caucus which begins today. From JOC: The caucus that begins on Monday could last several days. If the leadership believes a tentative contract can be signed, it would have to be ratified by a rank-and-file vote in the coming weeks. If agreement can't be reached, negotiations could run into January and February assuming the parties take time … [Read more...]