PORTLAND, Ore. – Security Officers at the Port of Portland signed an agreement with officials Saturday evening just 12 hours before a looming 6a.m. Sunday strike deadline that threatened to shut the Port over a dispute involving the possible outsourcing of good-paying security jobs. Today’s settlement will prevent the outsourcing of Security Officer jobs at the Port’s big terminals; #2 and #6.
“This agreement protects good-paying, blue-collar jobs that Portland working families need so badly,” said Jerry Hardman, ILWU Local 28 President.
The talks that led to the settlement began at 1p.m. on Saturday afternoon, after Gov. John Kitzhaber’s office and a State Conciliator became involved.
“We took a stand against the outsourcing because Portland working families can’t afford to lose any more good-paying jobs,” said Angie Dahlgren, a Security Officer who served as Chair of her union Negotiating Committee.
Security Officer Devin Lingo said workers were concerned that Port officials were being pressured by international shipping carriers and terminal operators who are financially healthy and profitable – but resent paying family-wage jobs and benefits to Portland-area residents. Lingo gave special thanks to the many military veterans who now work as Security Officers at the Port. “Both older and younger vets provided tremendous support and unity that helped us win the this good jobs victory.”
The four-year agreement is subject to a democratic ratification vote by the membership. It covers wages, benefits and working conditions for 25 Security Officers and will expire in June of 2015.