ILWU Members Ratify Grain Contract

International Longshore and Warehouse Union locals in the Pacific Northwest voted to ratify a grain-handlers contract agreement that was tentatively agreed to on Sept. 14 by union negotiators and six grain terminals in the region.

The new contract, which runs through Sept. 30, 2012, leaves the EGT grain export terminal in Longview, Wash., as the only grain terminal in the Pacific Northwest without an ILWU contract.

The ILWU contract with the Pacific Northwest Grain Elevator Operators calls for a 3.1 percent pay increase for registered longshoremen and a 4 percent wage increase for unregistered longshoremen, or casuals.

Also, the contract includes full health, welfare and pension benefits for registered longshoremen.

EGT is involved in litigation with the Port of Longview and the ILWU. EGT, which has yet to open the new terminal for grain exports, is challenging the legality of a Port of Longview working agreement with the union that mandates the use of ILWU labor at the facility.

Source: Journal of Commerce