ICTSI Oregon hits out at ILWU over dockworker dispute

In a statement ICTSI Oregon said: “During the busy 2014 holiday season, ILWU engaged in approximately 36 work stoppages and slowdowns of various types and for varying durations. Similar efforts, along with intentional labor shortages, have continued into the first month of 2015. “

ICTSI operates the Port of Portland terminal 6 and disputes with the ILWU have been longrunning starting June 2012

It said that the ILWU ordered a 12-hour stoppage on Wednesday starting at 7am and on Thursday members worked in the morning but walked off the job at 1-15pm.

Productivity at terminal 6 has fallen to 13.2 moves an hour.

“Terminal 6 is the only international shipping container terminal in Oregon. As such, it is a powerful economic engine to the region that offers significant benefits to thousands of businesses, workers and consumers,” ICTSI said.

“For this reason, the ILWU’s deliberate and continuous work delays since June 2012 threaten the terminal’s future viability as a critical hub of regional economic activity.”