The ILWU is in extended talks with the Pacific Northwest Grain Handlers Association. Talks with the union are scheduled through mid-October. The current contract expired Sunday. The ILWU workers handle half of the grain exports in the U.S. ILWU members walked off their jobs temporarily in Portland upon news Friday that Robert McEllrath, president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, was convicted for blocking a grain train last year in a labor dispute protest at the Port of Longview. McEllrath was sentenced to one day in jail plus $543 in fines and court costs.
