July 12, 2008
Also as Work stoppage reported at ports
(Long Beach Press-Telegram)
By Jacob Adelman
The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES - Dockworkers at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach staged an unapproved, 15-minute work stoppage Friday amid ongoing contract talks, a spokesman for an association representing West Coast ports said.
The workers deviated from their staggered break schedules and took a single coordinated break that temporarily brought port activity to a halt, Pacific Maritime Association spokesman Steve Getzug said.
The PMA, which represents cargo carriers and terminal operators on the West Coast, was still evaluating the impact the incident would have on productivity.
International Longshore and Warehouse Union spokesman Craig Merrilees said he knew of no union action and suggested the incident could be a minor dispute that was being exaggerated.
The twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach handle about 40 percent of the nation's cargo.
Getzug said there was no way to arbitrate the matter because the contract with dockworkers expired July1. "Given that this was a unilateral switch, and that it's occurring in the absence of a contract, it causes us concern," Getzug said.
Still, representatives from both sides said ongoing negotiations have been going well.
Merrilees said union negotiators planned to work with shippers through the weekend with the hope of having a tentative contract next week.
About 26,000 workers are affected at 29 ports in California, Oregon and Washington.
Copyright 2008 Torrance Daily Breeze