I spent most of the week traveling for business. During the week however the International Longshore and warehouse Union decided to make a "Statement". That wasn't too surprising as May 1, is the international workers day. "May Day" traditionally a day when socialist countries promote labor. In communist countries this day is often supported with military parades.
With that it is ironic that the ILWU used May day this year to host a one day work stoppage at 29 west coast ports. The union claims that the purpose of the strike was a protest of the US war in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Pacific Maritime Association officials however, doubt that is the true purpose of the work stoppage. The PMA represents west coast shipowners and the work stoppage is a violation of the current PMA/ILWU labor contract.That contract expires this summer.
Given that the US economy is headed toward recession, if its not already in one, the work stoppage also could send a clear signal that the ILWU isn't going to just give up on negotiations because times are tough. There is probably some truth to that. Hard tactics by a negotiating union are no surprise.
All 29 ports on the west coast were back at work by the evening shift, but this strike action by the union seems to be a shot across the bow of the PMA. For shippers this is a space well worth watching. I've thought for some time that the union and the shipowners would find a way to work the new contract out.
With the US economy in some trouble, and jobs hard to find, now is not the time to cause a work stoppage. A long term strike could cripple the country and cause major diversions of freight to non-US port alternatives in Mexico and Canada. it would also put pressure on available container ship space to the US East Coast.
The ILWU used declared peaceful intention to make a militant political move. Smart tactics in a negotiation, but with the economy being fragile, it is a highly questionable time for shenanigans.
Eric
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