West Coast dockworkers appear headed for a peaceful resolution to contract negotiations by July 1, having resolved in recent days one of the most potentially divisive issues on the table- health care.
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union made it clear from the start of bargaining in April they were willing to go to the mat to protect what has arguably become one of the best healthcare packages around.
ILWU registrants currently pay no monthly premiums for their health benefits, and prescriptions are available to members for $1 each. Their employers estimate contributing more than $1 million per day for these benefits.
Now that a tentative agreement has been reached on healthcare, the largest remaining issues are worker safety and pay. Full-timers with more than 4,000 hours experience are now paid about $30 per hour. Naturally, workers want a raise, but it doesn't appear to be a huge issue and the union reportedly isn't pushing for massive increases.
The other sticking point - safety - came to the forefront following the April 4 death of longtime dockworker Carlos Rivera, who was crushed by a forklift while working at California United Terminals in the Port of Long Beach.
The ILWU's current pact expires at 5 p.m. July 1. If no agreement is reached by the deadline, both sides can agree to extend negotiations indefinitely.
Paul Eakins reports on Long Beach City Hall, and local and regional
politics. A newcomer to the Press-
Kris Hanson reports on the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles,
covering environmental issues, economic triumphs and
pitfalls and trade trends of America’s largest port.
He also writes a weekly column “On The Waterfront”,
appearing Tuesdays, and also produces an occassional video
and column titled “On The Job,” which follows the hard-working
men and women who keep Southern California’s economy humming.
Karen Robes Meeks came to work for the Press-
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