The PMA and the ILWU have left the playing field, so the normal rules of the game no longer apply.
Based on PMA’s latest “update”, it looks like PMA is feeling the pressure from retailers and politicians.
PMA-Update-Statement-11-13-2014
Two interesting points.
PMA is asking to have the “contract extended” just like they did the last time right before the teamsters sent pickets, before the Mayor cut a deal to keep them away from the docks. Are they asking because they are concerned that the teamsters are going to reappear or are they setting the Union up for a lockout and Taft-Hartley intervention by the Government?
Why would PMA highlight the “most lucrative” wages and benefits the the ILWU receives, when they know that it will just piss off the Union and the membership? Are they trying to negotiate in the press, or are they trying to make the Union angry in hopes they will do something dumb so they can lock them out and initiate Taft-Hartley intervention by the government?
In LA/LB the Union is telling workers to ignore trucker pickets (non-teamsters), because there is no contract, and to keep working safely. It’s working. Bobby seems more interested in getting a certain caucus delegate kicked out of his elected position, and what is being posted on Facebook, than telling his members what is happening at the secret negotiations in San Francisco.
In Tacoma, at last night’s Union meeting, Dean mcGrath told his members nothing about what is happening at negotiations. He told them to keep doing what they are doing, it is working. He and Conrad Spell spent most of their time complaining about members who are talking to “the guy who has that website” and threatening to get who ever it is, when this is all over.
Interesting that Dean and Conrad had no problem with the PMA update, but are freaked out about what they read here.
Glad to know you guys have your priorities in order.
There are no secrets on the waterfront.