Grain terminals continue talks with ILWU

   The U.S. Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) said labor negotiations between the Pacific Northwest Grain Handlers Association, which represents employers, and International Longshore and Warehouse Union Locals 4, 8, 19 and 23 are continuing.
   In a brief statement issued Friday, FMCS said at its request the parties have agreed to continue negotiations under its auspices, but that “due to the sensitivity of this high profile dispute and consistent with the agency’s longstanding practice, we will not disclose either the location of the meeting or the content of the substantive negotiations that will take place.
   “In addition, the parties have agreed to an FMCS request that they refrain from any public comments regarding the status of negotiations conducted under our auspices,” the agency said. – Chris Dupin