Here is a copy of the 1934 Arbitration Decision that became the foundation of the current PCLCD.
1934 Arbitration Award and background
The Employers brought in the President of the ILA and claimed that he represented the West Coast longshoremen.
The West Coast longshoremen voted to be represented by their own strike committee and longshoremen in every Port on the West Coast, except Tacoma who stayed ILA until 1958, voted to be represented by the ILWU and Harry Bridges.
The Employers keep asking for the Union to allow them to do something that they have had the right to do since 1934; introduce labor saving devices.
From the start the ILWU made it a point to work with their employers, rather than against them, but they also made it clear they wanted to be part of the process and not dictated to, a demand that has bothered some employers to this day.
Knowing history helps to understand who the players are and what they are up to.
The ILWU needs the PMA and the PMA needs the ILWU, it is a mutual admiration society that has worked since 1934.
The last guy to head up PMA tried to change the relationship. He is gone and they are still here.
This will be worked out in short order, because it is both parties interests to do so.
Hang in there and support your negotiating team.