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Portland to Compensate Terminal Operator for Losses by Joseph Bonney Journal of Commerce, August 10, 2012

ILWU, IBEW, port in jurisdictional dispute over handling of reefer containers

Commissioners at the Port of Portland, Ore., overrode objections from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union in voting 6-1 to defray the port's container terminal operator's losses in a labor dispute.

The Portland Oregonian reported that port commissioners voted 6-1 to pay up to $4.7 million to ICTSI Oregon Inc. The vote came despite objections from the ILWU, including union President Bob McEllrath, who attended the meeting.

Commissioners and port managers said ICTSI's viability operating the port's Terminal 6 is crucial for local businesses. Port Director Bill Wyatt said the maximum payment would equal ICTSI's annual rent, and include no tax revenue.

The port has been entangled in a jurisdictional dispute between the ILWU and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers over which union should plug, unplug and maintain refrigerated containers at the terminal.

A trial resumes Aug. 20 on a National Labor Relations Board complaint against the ILWU.