Bunge last year broke off contract negotiations with the ILWU and hired* workers represented by another union. That triggered months of ILWU demonstrations that resulted in arrests of dozens of longshoremen on charges of property destruction and blocking a train from carrying grain to the terminal.
If Bunge had succeeded in opening the terminal without ILWU labor, it would have become the first non-ILWU manned grain terminal in the Pacific Northwest.
Last month, Bunge and the ILWU announced a tentative settlement of legal issues that was brokered by Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire.
Last week, Bunge recognized ILWU Local 21 as the bargaining representative for the workers. The fundamental contract issues have been resolved, and EGT will operate the facility with ILWU-represented employees while the remaining details are being worked out, said Leal Sundet, ILWU coast committeeman.
* Editor’s note: EGT did not hire union workers, but subcontracted with General Construction Co.
