Negotiations for the new longshore contract kicked off
Monday morning, March 17th in San Francisco.

The ILWU negotiating team arrived in force at the headquarters of the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), taking their seats at a large
conference table across from dozens of employer representatives.


ILWU International President Robert McEllrath told employers
that the ILWU was looking forward to negotiating a new contract that was fair for workers.

PMA President Jim McKenna said in an earlier press statement that employers would be seeking to “increase efficiency, implement
technology and other workplace innovations.”    
 
After preliminary remarks that included agreement on some basic ground rules, McEllrath passed the ILWU’s demands across the table to management.

Both sides agreed to meet again the following afternoon, when McKenna presented management’s proposals to the ILWU negotiating team.

Coast Committeeman Ray Ortiz, Jr. said, “We’re off to a good start with a team that’s united and working together to win a good contract.”
Both sides agreed to meet as often as their schedules will allow.

ILWU’s 8-member Safety Committee also came to the opening Negotiating session where they made arrangements to begin meeting with PMA officials immediately. The ILWU Safety Committee has developed a set of demands to improve the Safety Code and reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries.

“We’re making proposals that will save lives and protect families from losing their loved-ones,” said Safety Chair Tim Podue from Local 13.
Safety Committee members met several times with management during the first week of negotiations.