Cargill Inc., which defected last month from an employers coalition of Northwest grain terminal owners, is holding secret talks with the longshore union, a spokesman confirmed Friday.
Leaders of the powerful International Longshore and Warehouse Union, who did not respond to requests for comment, are apparently using a “divide and conquer” strategy toward the corporations that want them to give up treasured waterfront working conditions. If successful, a union agreement with Cargill would boost pressure on holdouts United Grain Corp., Columbia Grain Inc. and Louis Dreyfus Commodities to settle.
Cargill lawyer Felix Ricco ducked inquiries this week, referring a reporter to company spokesman Mark Klein. “Afraid we’re going to have to stay with the policy of not commenting about ongoing negotiations,” Klein responded, in an email.
