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Benefits November 13, 2002
Pension Issue Weighs Heavy At Port Talks
November 13, 2002 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - The
International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) is
looking for more than the 25% pension benefit increase
offered by the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), according
to a San Francisco Chronicle report.
Reported by Eric Hazard
With the November 1 st tentative agreement behind them for use of technology on the docks, the two sides are now focused on pension benefits increases, as contract talks resumed.
The PMA, who represents shipping and terminal operators, has offered to increase retiree pension benefits 25% over the next five years, and calls their offer “more than generous”, according to a separate Reuters report.
The ILWU, who represents 10,500 dockworkers, wants a larger increase in exchange for computerized equipment that will make the ports more efficient but eliminate union jobs.
No specifics to how large an increase they are demanding have been mentioned. Both sides have been asked by a federal mediator not to discuss the details of the negotiations with members of the media.