ILWU Shuts Down Portland Container Terminal
Dockworkers at the Port of Portland shut down the Terminal 6, the port’s only container terminal for twelve hours on Tuesday, in response to the firing of several longshoremen last week.
The terminal’s operator ICTSI Oregon responded by saying that the International Longshore and Warehouse Union’s (ILWU) long-term efforts to delay shipping activity at the Terminal 6 have escalated far beyond what other U.S. West Coast ports are experiencing.
During the 2014 holiday season, ILWU engaged in approximately 36 work stoppages and slowdowns of various types and for varying durations, according to ICTSI Oregon.
ICTSI Oregon said that productivity at Terminal 6 has fallen below acceptable historical levels, saying that in June 2012, ILWU labor was producing approximately 24.8 moves per hour, a 47% reduction compared to 13.2 moves per hour recorded in the last quarter of 2014.
ICTSI Oregon is a member of the Pacific Maritime Union, which represents West Coast port employers in marathon contract negotiations with ILWU.
Image: Port of Portland
