| U.S. West Coast
Dockworkers Agreement Ratified |
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(Toronto, January 24, 2003)…
On January 22, the International
Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) overwhelmingly approved
a new six year contract, officially ending their labour
dispute with the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA).
Member companies of the PMA, representing shipping lines
and terminal operators, had ratified the deal earlier. With
ratification by both parties now in place, the contract
will become effective on February 1, 2003.
The agreement guarantees all current union members will
keep their jobs, plus receive substantial wage and benefit
increases. Union members also agreed to accept computer
cargo-tracking technology, designed to speed the flow of
cargo.
The contract ratification ends a negotiating process that
began in May of last year, leading to a 10 day lock-out
of the dockworkers by the PMA, which shut down 29 U.S. West
Coast ports. The shutdown disrupted the flow of cargo worldwide,
dealt a severe blow to the U.S. economy and culminated in
President Bush intervening to end the dispute.
For more information, please call (905) 882-4880 David
Lychek, Manager - Ocean Services.
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