ILA President Harold Daggett Reaffirms Full Support To ILWU In Negotiations; Attempts to Divert Cargo To ILA Ports Will Fail, ILA Leader Tells Shippers
NORTH BERGEN, NJ – (January 23, 2015) – Harold J. Daggett, President, International Longshoremen’s Association, AFL-CIO expressed strong support and solidarity of his entire membership to the members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) as they continue to negotiate a new contract with employers represented by Pacific Maritime Association.
“The ILA stands fully behind the ILWU as it seeks to negotiate a fair and strong contract for its members,” said ILA President Daggett. “We will closely monitor any attempts by shippers to try and divert cargo to ILA ports. This tactic by employers will not be successful – we are one and will support our ILWU Sisters and Brothers.”
The ILA condemns attempts by PMA in recent weeks to launch a vicious public relations attack against the ILWU and by corporations that are looking to strip union members of their rights.
“We say to the leadership of PMA – put your efforts into the negotiating table and not in misleading press releases,” said ILA President Daggett. “The ILWU has been negotiating in good faith since May 2014 and members have continued to work beyond the July 1st contract expiration. They have done their part and now PMA needs to do theirs.”
The ILA represents waterfront workers at all ports from Maine to Texas, Great Lakes Region, Eastern Canada, Puerto Rico and major U.S. rivers.
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