After weeks of lost productivity, backlogs and finger-pointing, contract talks resume Tuesday between west coast terminal operators and union Longshore members in Seattle and elsewhere, who are working without a contract.
“It’s a much more complex and difficult problem than just scapegoating workers,” said Craig Merrilees, spokesman for the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) in San Francisco.
There’s a measure of optimism, perhaps for the first time since the ILWU contract with the terminal operators expired July 1.
“Talks have continued to be positive and progress has been made on real key issues,” said Merrilees.
“Everyone is focused on getting back to the negotiations,” said Wade Gates, with the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA).