International Longshoremen’s Association, Local 333: Unfair Labor Practice Strike

BALTIMORE - Oct. 16, 2013 - PRLog -- CONTACT:      ILA333media@comcast.net

Baltimore, MD: Longshoremen and deep sea cargo workers at the Port of Baltimore who are represented by the International Longshoremen Association, Local 333 are protesting the companies’ refusal to negotiate in good faith over a new contract covering the workers terms and conditions of employment. Local 333 filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board against the Steamship Trade Association of Baltimore, Inc. (STA), which is the bargaining agent for the stevedoring companies at the Port.

Local 333 members have been working under a contract that was  implemented in 2004.  That contract expired on September 30, 2010. The STA and Local 333 then entered into an extension to engage in negotiations without changing or improving any of its terms.   That extension expired on September 30, 2012. Despite Local 333’s efforts to negotiate an agreement, which included mediation under the auspices of FMCS, the STA has refused to bargain over subjects that are mandatory under the law, and has engaged in other conduct inimical to reaching agreement. Local 333 voted on STA’s final proposal to the Union, which was soundly rejected by the membership.

“Local 333 is eager to enter into a new contract with the STA,” said Local 333 President Riker McKenzie.  “But the dedicated men and women working at the Port of Baltimore deserve a fair and just contract.  We cannot accept STA’s refusal to negotiate over matters that the law requires them to negotiate.”