April 26, 2016
CONTRACT EXTENSION DISCUSSION
The Longshore Division Caucus Delegates received the attached letter (opposite side) from International President Robert McEllrath at the April 18, 2016 Longshore Caucus. The letter is a “Request for Discussion of a Contract Extension” from PMA President James McKenna.
The following motion was made at the Longshore Caucus:
M/S/C Although the prospect of a contract extension is intriguing, this Caucus would be remiss if we did not bring this concept back to our membership. Therefore, let it be moved that the contract extension request letter be brought back to our respective locals for proper consideration and that the ‘letter” be further discussed at a future caucus after input from our memberships.
Please note – the Contract Extension will be discussed at the June 2, 2016 Stop Work Meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Fraternally,
Bobby Olvera, Jr.
President
opeiu#537/ih
Pacific Maritime Association
Headquarters
March 24, 2016
Mr. Robert McEllrath, International President
International Longshore and Warehouse Union
1188 Franklin Street, 4th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94109
Re: Request for Discussion of a Contract Extension
Dear Bob:
This will follow up on comments made at the TPM Conference last month with PMA’s request that the ILWU and PMA engage in discussions aboutan extension of our current Agreement beyond its expiration on July 1, 2019, with the discussions limited to the subjects of wages, pension and the term ofthe extension. All other contract language would remain unchanged.
The ILWU and PMA share a common goal in strengthening the West Coast Ports’ position as the preferred gateway for U.S. trade with Asia. This isparticularly important in view of our last negotiation’s impact on perceptions of West Coast Ports and the increased competition for cargo that we face froman expanded Panama Canal and all water services. An extension, if one can be achieved, would benefit both ILWU and PMA members in this competition by strengthening shippers’ confidence in our ports and reassuring communities of an extended period of stability and reliability for those Ports, which are soimportant to the national economy and particularly the economies of the West Coast states.
I understand that this request is one that must be presented and accepted by your caucus. I hope that your membership will give it carefulconsideration and agree to discussions of a contract extension.
I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
James C. McKenna
President and CEO
555 MARKET STREET, 3•° FLOOR • SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105
PHONE : (415) 576-3200 • FAX: (415} 348-8392 http://www.pmanet.org