ILWU Local 19 will do all plugging and unplugging of cruise vessels in Seattle.
Holland America Line Inc. and Princess Cruises will be switching back to shore power June 25, after resolving a months-long struggle with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, Local 19, over jurisdiction.
The essence of the issue was longshore union resistance to having non-longshore workers on the docks, touched off last fall by the fact that the cruise lines had been bringing in electricians to make the connections when ships came in.
In this case things were settled more peaceably, through arbitration.
Under the agreement, ILWU workers will “perform all plugging and unplugging of vessels,” said Cameron Williams, president of ILWU Local 19. He added the cruise lines and union are now working in “good faith,” since arbitrator reached a decision May 10.