A full job action could shut down loading and unloading operations at the twin ports, which handled nearly $316 billion worth of cargo last year. But an arbitrator ruled that the clerical unit had bargained in bad faith and ordered longshoremen back to work by 8 a.m., Berry said.
ILWU Coast Longshore Division spokesperson Jennifer Sargent said all 250 longshore workers, foremen and marine clerks who work at the four struck terminals respected the picket line, but when the arbiter declared that the picket was “not bonafide” [under the Pacific Coast Longshore Contract Document], they had to abide by their contract and return to work.
Fageaux said the arbitrator only found that the clerical strike was improper under the longshoremen’s contract.
“We (clerical workers) have every legal right to picket and strike … and we will continue to do so,” he said.