Media Room

The ILWU Communications Department is committed to providing fast, accurate response to media inquiries.

Our staff includes several former reporters with daily newspaper, radio, and television news experience. We are here to provide background material and resources to help reporters become familiar with the important history, trends, and issues in longshoring.

How to reach us:

The Communications Department can be reached in San Francisco by dialing 415-775-0533 (if you call before 9 am or after 5 pm and get a recorded message, please enter 1-1-3, followed by the pound sign.)

Craig Merrilees, ILWU Communications Director
craig@ilwu.org
510-774-5325

Jennifer Sargent, Northwest Communications Coordinator
Jennifer@ilwu.org
503-703-2933

John Showalter, Communications Specialist
john.showalter@ilwu.org
415-775-0533, x139

Bill Orton, Communications Consultant
billorton2000@yahoo.com
310-948-8577

Progress Continues in Labor Talks between PMA and ILWU

SAN FRANCISCO (June 17, 2008) - The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) issued the following statement today regarding their negotiations on a new waterfront labor contract:

In the weeks since our last update, the parties have continued to meet regularly, and have reached a tentative agreement on health care benefits.

While the pace and tone of the talks have been productive, important issues remain, with work left to be done. Our negotiating committees will continue exchanging and modifying proposals. Both sides are committed to resolving outstanding issues at the table and to keep West Coast Ports running smoothly.

The current waterfront contract covers 26,000 ILWU-represented longshore workers at 29 west coast ports in California, Oregon and Washington. The PMA represents cargo carriers, terminal operators and stevedores operating on the west coast.

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In the news

Read the most recent Lonsghore headlines on the ILWU web site here.