The International Longshoremen’s Association, which represents dockworkers at U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports, yesterday wrote a letter of support to Robert McEllrath, president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, which is engaged in contract negotiations with West Coast employers.
The letter from Harold Daggett, ILA president, warned employers and cargo interests about diverting shipments from the West Coast to East Coast ports.
“Employers may take no comfort in plans to alter cargo shipments to avoid ILWU ports. We are one, and will firmly support the ILWU in whatever action is available to them and us securing a fair and equitable contract,” Daggett said.
