Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 4, 2002
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Three Governors Call for Resolution of Labor Dispute at West Coast Ports; Gov. Gary Locke Speaks with Shipping and Union Leaders

Gov. Gary Locke today joined the governors of California and Oregon in calling for an end to the labor dispute that has shut down ports along the West Coast. Separately, Locke personally called the presidents of both the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association to urge a swift settlement.

In a letter sent today to James Spinosa, president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, and Joseph Miniace, president of the Pacific Maritime Association, the governors wrote, “At a time when our national and state economies are fragile and the nation is experiencing significant unemployment, the shutdown of our ports only exacerbates this problem and diminishes the chance for a swift economic recovery.”

“We understand that you face tough issues in your contract negotiations, but we ask you to end the shutdown and continue to bargain in good faith to quickly resolve your issues as you have done in the past,” wrote Locke, who initiated the letter, Gov. Gray Davis (D-Calif.) and Gov. John Kitzhaber (D-Ore.)

“Farmers are unable to ship agricultural goods overseas and risk losing current customers to foreign competitors. Factories that rely on imports are being shut down. Retailers are impacted during the prime pre-holiday shipping season. Countless truckers and other workers that rely on the ports are stalled and their livelihoods threatened. And, ultimately, consumers will suffer.”

The three governors said they were “encouraged” that both sides had returned to the bargaining table with federal mediators on Thursday.

In morning phone calls with Spinosa and Miniace, Locke urged them to bargain in good faith and reach a swift settlement.

Full text of letter below:




October 4, 2002



Mr. James Spinosa, President
International Longshore and Warehouse Union
1188 Franklin Street, 4th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94109

Mr. Joseph N. Miniace, President
Pacific Maritime Association
PO Box 7861
San Francisco, CA 94120

Dear Mr. Spinosa and Mr. Miniace:

We are writing to express our grave concern about the labor dispute that has resulted in the shutdown of West Coast ports. Though in its early stages, our states are already experiencing the economic effects.

Farmers are unable to ship agricultural goods overseas and risk losing current customers to foreign competitors. Factories that rely on imports are being shut down. Retailers are impacted during the prime pre-holiday shipping season. Countless truckers and other workers that rely on the ports are stalled and their livelihoods threatened. And, ultimately, consumers will suffer.

At a time when our national and state economies are fragile and the nation is experiencing significant unemployment, the shutdown of our ports only exacerbates this problem and diminishes the chance for a swift economic recovery.

We understand that you face tough issues in your contract negotiations, but we ask you to end the shutdown and continue to bargain in good faith to quickly resolve your issues as you have done in the past. We are encouraged by your steps to work with the federal mediator.

Please let us know if we can provide assistance toward facilitating a swift settlement. Our state and national economies, consumers, and the livelihood of thousands of workers are counting on you.

Sincerely,



Gary Locke Gray Davis John Kitzhaber, M.D.
Governor Governor Governor

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