Port workers union ask for ‘key decision makers’ to join contract talks

Source: Press Telegram

By Karen Robes Meeks

Rather than involve a federal mediator, the union representing the 20,000 dockworkers at 29 ports in Los Angeles, Long Beach and along the West Coast wants “key decision makers” involved in its contract talks with the group acting on behalf of employers.

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union said Monday that the carriers and terminal executives on Pacific Maritime Association’s Board of Directors also need to be at the bargaining table in order for “direct and constructive dialogue” to happen.

The union, which had been negotiating with employers since May, said the PMA Board of Directors haven’t directly participated in talks, while the ILWU’s “principal decision makers” have been present. The last contract expired in July.

Both sides need the right people in the room to get things finalized, said Robert McEllrath, ILWU President and Chairman of the Union’s Negotiating Committee.

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