Labor Union Blog

By Doug Cunningham

Twenty-five thousand west coast dock workers in the ILWU are taking a look at details of the contract agreement reached between the union and the Pacific Maritime Association as they decide whether or not to ratify it. The union says the agreement meets the needs of workers and of the industry. Full-time, fully registered union dock workers can make more than $100,000 a year. They also have good pensions and health care an pension benefits. Workers frustrated with the slow pace of talks had started slowing things down by taking their coffee breaks together at the same times. The Pacific Maritime Association claimed those actions cut productivity by 15-40 percent. The union says it was a message that the workers were united in seeking a good contract.