In a last attempt to avoid a strike that could paralyze the nation's largest port complex, the union submitted its "last, best and final offer" to employers on Sunday, just before a midnight strike deadline. John Fageaux Jr., boss of the Office Clerical Unit of Local 63 of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, said representatives of the companies "basically walked away from the table." The union's offer "wasn't officially rejected, but [company representatives] said they could not respond and wouldn't be available to meet again until Tuesday."
"I'm not optimistic at all about it," Fageaux said. "We've done all we can and the employers told us earlier they weren't going to budge from their earlier position."
The two sides were able to close the gap on salaries, but there are still "four or five open issues," including technology and the employers' desire to establish "tiered healthcare," under which new workers would get lower benefits.
Fageaux, unable to comment on the specifics of the latest union proposal, did say that "it addresses a great deal of the employers' needs and we've made a lot of concession in an effort to avoid a strike."
"I don't believe the employers are acknowledging that and they've taken the position that it's their way or the highway," said Fageaux.
Representatives of the Longshore union, which controls most jobs on the waterfront, said they would honor picket lines if clerks decide to go on strike.
A strike would effectively shut down the twin ports, through which more than 40 percent of all imported goods pass. Together, the ports handle around $275 billion worth of cargo a year.
(knx1070.com)