A group representing grain shippers in the region, including United Grain Corp. at the Port of Vancouver, said Monday it expects to reach an agreement on a new labor contract with union dockworkers that will keep wheat, soybeans and corn flowing to markets.
“I don’t think there’s any reason to presume otherwise,” said Pat McCormick, spokesman for the Pacific Northwest Grain Handlers Association, a consortium of six Northwest grain shippers that operates under an agreement with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union.
“Leveling the playing field and avoiding extreme competitive disparities among Northwest grain shippers and ports is vital,” according to the association’s statement.
Brad Clark, president of the ILWU Local No. 4 in Vancouver, declined to comment Monday, saying it wouldn’t be prudent during negotiations. “It’s better faith bargaining to leave it at the table,” he said.
