WASHINGTON, D.C. — Since both the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) have agreed to federal mediation on the issue of how new technology is implemented, the PMA should end its lockout today and let the dockworkers go back to work. The mediation process can be successful and fruitful, and should be allowed to work. The PMA should honor the needs of the nation, the economy and the workers by letting ILWU members move the cargo in the ports.
The AFL-CIO is opposed to the implementation of the Taft-Hartley Act in the lockout on the West Coast ports. The Bush Administration should let the two sides continue to talk and should let the bargaining process work.