THE US west coast dockers union has again been charged by employers of conducting a continuing campaign of disruption by witholding yard crane operators to clear cargo from the docks of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
Similar charges have been made against the union at the ports of Seattle, Tacoma and Oakland, reports the American Journal of Transportation.
Congestion, already at crisis levels, caused by truck shortages and lack of available chassis, has been worsened by rising tension at continuing labour contract talks at the height of the peak season.
"These actions - slowing down, walking off the job and not sending the crews that are needed - will continue to push the west coast ports closer to gridlock," said Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) spokesman Wade Gates.
"With less than two weeks before Black Friday, the last thing our economy needs is a shutdown," said Mr Gates referring to the November 28 loss-leader bargain day that kicks off the US Christmas retail season,
"Since October 31, members of the International Longshore and Workers Union (ILWU) [sic] have continued to work slowly in the ports of Tacoma and Seattle, said the PMA statement.
"Various reports have detailed the dramatic impact these slowdowns are having at this critical harvest season for Washington State apples, potatoes, Christmas trees and other perishable produce, the PMA statement said.
"In Los Angeles and Long Beach, the ILWU continues to short-shift crews by withholding qualified yard crane operators," said the PMA.
The ILWU's slowdown actions threaten west coast port competitiveness, and are complicating an already challenging holiday shipping season. In the meantime, ILWU and PMA representatives continue to meet daily in contract negotiations.
"For the sake of our economy, we call upon the ILWU to agree to a temporary contract extension while we continue to work on a new agreement" Mr Gates said.
"A contract extension and a full return to work will give everyone ¡V from shippers to consumers ¡V the confidence that is needed before the critical holiday shopping season.¡¨
PORTS
18 November 2014 - 21:26
ILWU go-slows continue, refusing dockers in Los Angeles and Long Beach
THE US west coast dockers union has again been charged by employers of conducting a continuing campaign of disruption by witholding yard crane operators to clear cargo from the docks of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
PORTS
18 November 2014 - 21:26
ILWU go-slows continue, refusing dockers in Los Angeles and Long Beach
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