LA-Long Beach dock clerk strike doesn't slow cargo

A STRIKE by harbour clerks of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union in Los Angeles and Long Beach is drifting into its second week, but has yet to slow down cargo movement.

Talks between the ILWU's Office Clerical Unit and the Los Angeles-Long Beach Harbor Employers Association, representing 14 companies, broke down and had not yet resumed, reported London's Containerisation International.

The waterfront clerks' current wage is US$96,900 a year, reported American Shipper. The union continues to press for 32 per cent pay and benefits increases for 12 of 14 employers at the twin ports, as well as pursuing contract provisions that would reverse technology gains, the employers said.

The strike, which started after the July 1 contract expiry date has caused little disruption because clerical tasks have been assumed by supervisory staff considered part of management.

The dispute hinges on new technology and job security of the 900 office workers. There is also a wide gap between the union's pay demands and management offers.

Employers and the union remained far apart despite bargaining through the US Independence Day holiday weekend. Management cannot agree to union demands that "employers hire temporary and permanent workers even when there is no work for them."

Management said it has offered the clerks "protections against layoffs." Employers have offered a wage increase, a 10 per cent increase in pension benefit, and maintenance of all in-network PPO health plans despite rising costs.
(Source:www.schednet.com)