Union looks for 'progress' in talks to avert LA ports strike
The union of clerks at the US ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the nation's busiest container complex, have called a strike but discussions to avoid a stoppage are continuing.
The union and 17 shipping companies are trying to agree a new 3-year contract. The union is unhappy with its proposed health and pension benefits and with plans to outsource jobs.
The local clerical unit of the International Long-shore and Warehouse Union has given its unanimous backing for a strike but both sides have agreed to continue talking.
“I believe there will be meaningful progress. We will stay at the table as long as we need to get a deal done, unless we feel there is no movement,” said a union official.
Members of the clerical unit handle a documentation and paperwork for containers moving through the ports.
If the clerks do strike, the 15,000 strong unionized long-shore workers have pledged to honour picket lines, and that could shut down both the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
A dispute with long-shore workers in 2002 resulted in a breakdown of operations that lasted 10 days.
The union and 17 shipping companies are trying to agree a new 3-year contract. The union is unhappy with its proposed health and pension benefits and with plans to outsource jobs.
The local clerical unit of the International Long-shore and Warehouse Union has given its unanimous backing for a strike but both sides have agreed to continue talking.
“I believe there will be meaningful progress. We will stay at the table as long as we need to get a deal done, unless we feel there is no movement,” said a union official.
Members of the clerical unit handle a documentation and paperwork for containers moving through the ports.
If the clerks do strike, the 15,000 strong unionized long-shore workers have pledged to honour picket lines, and that could shut down both the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
A dispute with long-shore workers in 2002 resulted in a breakdown of operations that lasted 10 days.