Did the ILWU think that we would forget that they walked away from the “big” negotiating table, if they re-print a picture of some scrap yard chassis and point out something that everyone already knows?
What makes the chassis discussion interesting, is that I heard that when the shipping lines decided to get out of the chassis business, it was some longshoremen who were trying to convince others, including teamster officials, to invest in the new chassis leasing businesses that were forming. Don’t know if any did, now I am even more curious.
Does Local 13 think that pictures of scrap chassis will negate the fact they unilaterally cut 100 crane operators, by deciding to dispatch only “certified” crane drivers?
For the last 3 years Local 13 has been dispatching up to 200 crane jobs per day, filling 100 of them with “qualified” (but not “certified”) crane drivers. Even when they only take 100 orders, they are still dispatching “qualified” (but not “certified”) drivers.
If Big Bob and his crew spent half the energy they are exerting playing their blame game, on negotiating a contract, they could have finished before turkey day.
Perhaps the rank-and-file could send a message to Big Bob and his crew – GIT ER DONE, we are tired of your games, DO YOUR JOB.
Call the ILWU International and let them know how you feel.
Call Big Bob at 415 775-0533, or fax him at 415 775-1302.
Tell him to GIT ER DONE.