Cambell & Gardiner Inc. Licensed Customs Brokers

UPDATED: 5/7/05

Labor Lock-out at West Coast Ports(7)

Possible Resolution Today

October 8, 2002 10:42 AM

A resolution may be coming sooner than later. On Monday, the federal board of inquiry met with PMA leaders. The panel is sheduled to report their findings back to President Bush sometime today. At that time, the President will most likely seek a court injunction under the Taft-Hartley Act, which can be used when the government believes that a labor conflict is disrupting the economy. The injunction would send the longshoremen back to work and restart negotiations during the 80 day (cooling off) period.

Many have feared that by invoking the Taft-Hartley Act it would force workers back to work, where they would have little motivation to perform to capacity. However, worker productivity is closely monitored at the ports, and if there were a slowdown similar to that at the beginning of this crisis, the PMA could seek court action.

There have been a number of vessels that departed the area. Some have returned to their originating port, others have gone to Mexico, and Panama to unload until a resolution is in place.

Following, comments by the Alaskan governor, ships have been allowed to load necessary cargo (food and essentials) destined for Alaska.

Please check back often for update on this situation..