MEDIATOR CALLS ONE-WEEK RECESS IN WEST COAST PORTS TALKS

MEDIATOR CALLS ONE-WEEK RECESS IN WEST COAST PORTS TALKS    Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service director Peter J. Hurtgen has adjourned U.S. West Coast ports contract negotiations Tuesday for one week to allow port employers to reassess costs and data from its members on issues related to pension enhancements for employees.
   Talks between the Pacific Maritime Association, which represents port employers, and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union will resume Nov. 13.
   'While the ILWU is prepared to continue with negotiations, and our talks have proceeded in good faith, management has requested additional time to evaluate anticipated technology-based operational savings and pension funding costs into future years,' Hurtgen said Tuesday in a statement.