ILWU Locals 19 and 52 speak out on jobs at Port of Seattle

ILWU Locals 19 and 52 speak out on protecting jobs at Port of Seattle in October.


Longshore workers and their attorneys Friday vowed to keep fighting the proposed Sodo sports arena after a King County judge tossed their lawsuit challenging the location.

“We will continue to oppose this project and the development of a sports-entertainment complex in Sodo that would … drive maritime jobs and business away from Seattle,” said Cameron Williams, president of Local 19 of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union.

Their attorneys took a slightly more conciliatory tone, saying they would be actively involved in the upcoming environmental review, but hadn’t yet decided whether to appeal the ruling.

“We’re going to be fully involved as they look at traffic impacts, freight movement and the lives of the families that depend on these jobs,” said David Mann, attorney for the union.

The longshore workers said the agreement designated the Sodo site before a required state environmental assessment — including an examination of alternate sites — had been done.

Union officials said they welcomed the return of the Sonics, but not in Sodo.

More at the Seattle Times