Containerization

The ILWU in the 1960s accepted containerization because it was able to ensure that all work associated with the new technology would be assigned to the union. Employers today must prove to the ILWU and the ILA that the same guarantees are present. 'In the latest wave of terminal automation, it remains to be seen whether our employers are willing to assign us that work,' McEllrath said.

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union issued a statement Tuesday alerting the maritime industry that West Coast dockworkers fully support the International Longshoremen’s Association in its efforts to protect job jurisdiction on the East and Gulf coasts as employers introduce new automated cargo-handling equipment.

“Their fight is our fight,” ILWU President Bob McEllrath said in reference to the contract negotiations that began last month between the ILA and USMX, which represents waterfront employers on the East and Gulf coasts.

The ILWU will face the same issues involving automation when its contract negotiations are held in 2014, so the ILWU is supporting the ILA in its negotiations this year for a new contract, McEllrath said.

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