Grain terminal operators in the Pacific Northwest on Saturday agreed to enter mediation with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union next week in an attempt to avoid a strike or lockout.
Meanwhile, the Pacific Northwest Grain Handlers and the ILWU both announced their intention to keep grain moving through the six export terminals in Oregon and Washington to give mediation a chance. The talks are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday.
The ILWU said the grain companies have operated profitably under the previous contract, and that contract helped to preserve the safety of workers in a dangerous profession.
