The Northwest Labor Press published the following on January 31:
A whirlwind week of negotiations Jan. 23-27 appears to have ended a year-long dispute between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and EGT at the Port of Longview’s new $200 million grain export facility.The NW Labor Press reported on Gov. Chris Gregoire's quote that, 'I asked EGT and ILWU to come together in a good faith effort to overcome their differences. Both parties should be commended for their willingness to work together and compromise. This framework reflects considerable effort to put the interests of the Longview community and the entire Columbia River basin first. I am confident an agreement can be reached that will satisfy both parties and allow the new grain terminal to become fully operational.'
On Monday, Jan. 23, Washington Governor Chris Gregoire announced that she had brokered a deal between the two parties that settled pending legal issues, unfair labor practice charges, and fines. That announcement came a few hours before an administrative law judge was set to open hearings on unfair labor practice charges filed by the National Labor Relations Board against the ILWU for illegal picketing and other activities.
The following day, Jan. 24, members of ILWU Local 21 ratified the settlement agreement. Then, on Friday, Jan. 27, Port of Longview’s board of commissioners approved the settlement agreement before approving an amendment to its lease with EGT.
Gregoire’s announcement came as a surprise to Operating Engineers Local 701, which represents workers at General Construction — the contractor hired by EGT to staff the grain terminal.
Read more 701 comment and the full article at this NW Labor Press link
