US West Coast dockworkers urged to accept new contract

Approval of the tentative five-year contract agreement, achieved in February to end the crippling strike that saw 29 US West Coast ports closed, has been overwhelmingly recommended for acceptance to the rank-and-file members by representatives of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU).

Seventy eight per cent of the ILWU delegates voted to urge the broader membership to approve the contract, which, the union said, covers about 20,000 workers; however, only 13,000 have voting rights through postal voting, which will be counted on 22 May.

The Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), which represents shipping lines and port terminal operators, declined to comment on the vote.  However, US Secretary of Labour, Tom Perez, who was directed by the White House to resolve the dispute, welcomed the move by the ILWU.