Members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union by a record margin of 94 percent ratified a new six-year contract with the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) that maintains health benefits and increases pensions, the union announced Jan. 22.
“In a time when more working families than ever are struggling with rising health care costs and insecure retirements, the ILWU has won a historic contract which sets a much-needed benchmark in health care, pensions and living standards,” said AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka, who assisted in the bargaining.
“Through the tireless leadership of President James Spinosa and all the ILWU leaders, and through the courageous solidarity of the membership, the ILWU has won a victory not only for dockworkers, but for all of America’s working families.”
The agreement was reached Nov. 23 following a 10-day employer lockout in September and President George W. Bush’s unprecedented use of the Taft-Hartley Act to reopen the ports.
While many unions are being hit with employer demands for increased co-pays for health care insurance, the ILWU contract provides for 100 percent employer-paid medical benefits and pension increases. It also provides that the work of operating the new technology will be done by ILWU marine clerks.
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