The ILWU sees this action by the Cowlitz County commissioners as completely inappropriate, and here’s why:
Cowlitz County commissioners asked a federal judge Tuesday to expedite a decision in the dispute over union labor at the new EGT grain terminal, saying they fear the already “very volatile situation” could escalate into “serious injury.”
EGT filed suit against the Port of Longview in January. The company argues that its lease contract with the port does not require the company to hire International Longshore and Warehouse Union workers to run the terminal. The port and ILWU members contend it does.
Union officials said Tuesday that they opposed rushing the court to judgment. They also questioned the commissioners’ neutrality.
“It is totally inappropriate for the Cowlitz County commissioners to interject themselves in the judicial process,” said Leal Sundet, ILWU Coast Committeeman, in a written statement. “And suggesting that ‘someone will get hurt if the protests continue’ is an incendiary remark that appears designed to create bias in the judge’s mind against the union.”