Dock worker strike looms despite cooling-off period request

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

Dock worker strike looms despite cooling-off period request

By Chris Reese
NEW YORK | Sun Dec 23, 2012 4:19pm EST

(Reuters) - Dock workers on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts moved closer to a potential strike next week even though Florida's governor asked President Barack Obama to order a cooling-off period if the nearly 15,000 longshoremen walk off the job.

The International Longshoremen's Association, the union representing the dock workers, and the U.S. Maritime Alliance, the group of shippers and port operators, have been bargaining since March, but reportedly remain far from a deal covering cargo handling at 15 ports on the U.S. Gulf and eastern coasts.

The employment contract between the two groups expired at the end of September, but the sides agreed to a 90-day extension of terms that runs out on December 29. The union has said if the contract expires without a resolution it could call a strike a day later.

In a letter this week, Florida's Republican Governor Rick Scott asked President Obama to invoke federal law and order a cooling-off period if the longshoremen go on strike.

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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/23/us-usa-ports-strike-idUSBRE8BM0C420121223

[sabrina 1]

1. Scott is asking for help against the Longshoremen from President Obama?

I hope he gets the response he deserves.

[Wellstone ruled]

2. Isn't this a sweet payback to Bush and the Shooter.

Aren't these ports run by Dubai Port Co.,or,same as Goldman-Sachs-Haliburton? If so,how sweet it is. USA USA,Labor on the march again. Union Yes!!!!!!!! Wal-Mart No! Dump China stocks now,this is going to be a long one.. He He.