THE International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) have announced that they have reached a tentative agreement on health benefits, subject to agreement on the other issues.
The parties have agreed not to discuss the terms of this tentative agreement as negotiations continue.
Maintenance of health benefits is an important part of the contract being negotiated between employers represented by the PMA and the ILWU, reports the American Journal of Transportation.
Health benefits, and the uncertainties arising from the federal Affordable Care Act have dominated talks, said American Shipper.
ILWU members enjoy the best medical benefits in the US, but such "Cadillac" schemes will be taxed under Obamacare, said Lloyd's List. Who pays the tax has been part of the negotiations.
There is speculation that the new contract may be for three years rather than the usual six to give a chance to re-negotiate a new agreement after the next presidential election clears the air about the fate of Obamacare.
The contract being negotiated covers nearly 20,000 dockers at 29 west coast ports. The previous agreement expired on July 1. Talks began on May 12 and are continuing.
PORTS
28 August 2014 - 22:27
Employers, ILWU reach tentative accord on health benefits as talks continue
THE International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) have announced that they have reached a tentative agreement on health benefits, subject to agreement on the other issues.
PORTS
28 August 2014 - 22:27
Employers, ILWU reach tentative accord on health benefits as talks continue
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