Americas News
Another Strike Possible for U.S. West Coast
Union clerical workers at the Port of Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles have rejected a new contract, raising the possibility of another strike just months after the eight-day shutdown of port operations in November and December 2012, the Long Beach Business Journal reports.
"We're hoping that whatever issues remain are quickly worked out," said Phillip Sanfield, spokesperson for the Port of Los Angeles.
In a February 6, 2013 vote the 800-member International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 63-Office Clerical Unit (OCU) rejected the proposed contract, which union and management negotiators had worked out to end last year's strike, but the union did not explain the issues behind the rejection.
For now, workers are continuing to operate under the previous contract, and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said the parties are continuing discussions and terminals remain "open and busy."
Jonathan Gold, vice president for supply chain and customs policy for the National Retail Federation, expressed concern over the vote in a statement.
"We are extremely disappointed by this vote and strongly urge the parties to work through their differences without any kind of disruption," he said.
"Ratification of a contract is needed to give retailers and other industries that rely on these ports the predictability they need to make long-term plans and get back to growing their businesses and creating jobs."
All 16 bargaining units of the union rejected the contract, according to the Long Beach Press-Telegram, which also reported that the union has filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board claiming management used its telephone system to eavesdrop on workers as they discussed confidential issues around the contract negotiations.
