THE Port of Oakland concedes it is at an impasse with its Service Employees International Union (SEIU), representing 250 workers in janitorial, maintenance and security services, and that it is now seeking mediation.

Port spokesman Sam Singer said a new four-year contract would not provide wage increases, adding that SEIU workers at the port are making 20 per cent more than union members working for the City of Oakland.

The port and its union have been working without a contract since June 30, 2011, noted American Shipper. Union and the port negotiators signed a contract in March, but it did not win a ratification vote by SEIU members.

The port is offering continued 100 per cent employer-paid healthcare, no changes to pensioner healthcare for current employees, who would pay a five per cent as an employee share, but new employees would pay eight per cent.