The Portland Business Journal reports: ”Union officials have made a point in highlighting the fact that the other three terminal operators are extensions of foreign-owned companies. In a statement issued Wednesday, ILWU International President Robert McEllrath said the TEMCO agreement was reached ‘because American companies, farmers and workers recognize a common interest in our country’s resources and economic well being. That common interest is not reflected in the grain companies that have unilaterally implemented a contract that undermines American working standards at their competing facilities.”’ Pictured: Temco’s grain export terminal at the Port of Tacoma.
From the Portland Business Journal:
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union on Wednesday said five of its locals have ratified a new five-year labor pact with TEMCO LLC, which operates grain export terminals in Portland, Tacoma and Kalama, Wash.
The union appears to be holding out hope that it can eventually reach a new labor deal with the other three grain handlers. Its deal with TEMCO can later be modified to match any deals it reaches with the Northwest Grain Handlers Association, allowing it to work under a single multi-employer agreement.
Considering the union’s rhetoric in recent months, it’s no surprise that it reached a pact with American-owned TEMCO first.