DOCKERS at the Port of Mobile’s breakbulk and general cargo docks have postponed a strike after the two sides agreed to federal mediation, reports IHS Media.
Instead, International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) Local 1410 declared that it and stevedoring firm CSA Equipment have agreed to return to the bargaining table for contract talks that will be overseen by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS).
CSA union dockers are the only ones working for a maritime employer without a ratified contract during the ILA’s current 2018-2024 master contract term.
Local 1410 president Mark Bass declared the local’s members voted down the last proposal from CSA a month ago.
Local 1410 members want to handle line-tying for vessels berthed at the Alabama State Docks where CSA handles cargo.
Mr Bass declared non-union workers at CSA affiliates at the port handle line-tying at the docks, but the union stated those operations should be under Local 1410’s jurisdiction.
‘We don’t want their [non-union] operations to capture the work from the ILA,’ said Mr Bass.
Local 1410 is also looking for CSA to contribute more to worker pensions in lieu of wage raises. CSA is proposing to use longshore crews of 17 workers.
