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From David Macaray, former labor union rep and current Los Angeles playwrite and author in the Huffington Post:
Some truths about this ILWU shutdown: First, the strike wasn’t about money. These logistical workers earn about $41 per hour, a solid middle-class income. Second, it wasn’t “spontaneous.” They’ve been working without a contract for two and a half years, since June 2010. Third, and most importantly, the strike was about job security — not their own, but that of future employees.
Anyone who’s been paying attention to the economy knows that the biggest labor story of the last quarter-century is the loss of American jobs, particularly those that pay decent wages. Realizing they had the necessary clout to make themselves heard, the ILWU took it upon themselves to insist that this job drain end now, at least in the shipping business. They were looking to save future American jobs, not line their pockets.
Instead of regarding this strike as an exercise in greed or self-interest, we should regard it for what it was — an attempt to provide the American worker with economic dignity. And who else, besides a labor union, is going to concern itself with a worker’...

The labor dispute between the Pacific Northwest Grain Handlers Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union is headed back to mediation this week, following the passing of a 5 p.m. Saturday deadline set by grain terminal operators without a new labor contract.
The grain handlers’ association released the following statement through its spokesman, Pat McCormick, at the 5 p.m. deadline for what it called its final contract offer:
“The ILWU did not respond to and therefore did not accept the Grain Handlers final offer, which was open for acceptance until 5 p.m. Dec. 8. Federal mediators have called for additional meetings on Dec. 11th and 12th. While the Grain Handlers are aware of nothing that changes our conclusions that we are at a bargaining impasse, we agreed to the meetings requested by the federal mediators and will approach them with an open mind. The Grain Handlers continue in full operation and have no present plans for a lockout.”
From the Associated Press

Source: Washington Post

Source: MN AFL-CIO