LA-Long Beach Talks Yield Little Progress

Negotiators for striking office clerical workers in Los Angeles-Long Beach and their employers bargained all day Saturday but made little progress toward a new contract.

Stephen Berry, lead negotiator for the 14 marine terminals and shipping lines, said the Office Clerical Unit of International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 63 refuses to budge on their demand that employers hire temporary and permanent workers even when there is no work.

Employers are attempting to reach a contract stipulating that staffing be based on “business requirements that reflect today’s economic conditions.”

OCU members also are seeking a 21 percent increase in pay plus additional benefits over three years. Employers offered a $1-an-hour increase plus a 10 percent increase in pensions over six years.

Cargo-handling operations at the port complex have not been affected by the office clerical worker strike.

Contact Bill Mongelluzzo at bmongelluzzo@joc.com.