Progress Continues in Labor Talks between PMA and ILWU

June 18, 2008

SAN FRANCISCO (June 17, 2008) – The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) issued the following statement today regarding their negotiations on a new waterfront labor contract:

In the weeks since our last update, the parties have continued to meet regularly, and have reached a tentative agreement on health care benefits.

While the pace and tone of the talks have been productive, important issues remain, with work left to be done. Our negotiating committees will continue exchanging and modifying proposals. Both sides are committed to resolving outstanding issues at the table and to keep West Coast Ports running smoothly.

The current waterfront contract covers 26,000 ILWU-represented longshore workers at 29 west coast ports in California, Oregon and Washington. The PMA represents cargo carriers, terminal operators and stevedores operating on the west coast.

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