Rhetoric Escalates on Longshoremen's Contract Talks

The International Longshoremen's Association is criticizing the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) for labeling the Container Royalty as "another form of compensation for ILA workers who are among the nation's most highly compensated." The ILA said the shippers "want to grab more money away from the ILA and its members by placing a cap on Container Royalty" (here). Preventing a cap on Container Royalty is one of the key battles facing the ILA, said President Harold Daggett, as negotiations continue. ILA said other issues include the eight-hour guarantee and the 7-man lashing gang. The USMX has had FAQs regarding the royalties on its web site for some time (here) and (here). "USMX has made it clear in negotiations and to the public through their website postings (USMX.com) that they are looking to cut, as an example, an ILA member in Savannah's Container Royalty payment and eliminate an eight hour guarantee for an ILA member in Houston," said Daggett. "They attack work rules in New York and look to strip the seven-man lashing gang in the South Atlantic. We understand that USMX has continually played one port against the other but that strategy will not succeed." He also said the union won't budge on the 8-hour guarantee or the overtime provisions. "Our ILA is committed to protecting all ILA members affected by this contract." Daggett said. "We stand united and will put a full contract package together that meets all our goals at all ports." Daggett indicated he may call full ILA Wage Scale Meetings with the USMX on Dec. 10 and 11, possibly at a hotel near Newark Airport.