Matson faces crew work stoppage

Matson faces crew work stoppage    Matson Navigation Co. is facing a potential work stoppage by its crewmembers, including captains, as a result of stalled contract negotiations.
   Workers in the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots voted to authorize a strike if necessary, the Honolulu Advertiser reported. The crewmembers' contract expired Thursday midnight, with talks between the ocean carrier and union ongoing.
   Matson carries about two-thirds of Hawaii's containerized goods, with about 80 percent of the island chain's goods arriving by ship, the newspaper reported.
   “Unfortunately, things are getting down to the wire and no movement has been made and so we reluctantly advise the public that this (a strike) is a possibility,” said Charles Khim, who represents the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots.
   Another union potentially involved in the strike is the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association, which represents about 100 workers in Hawaii. The National Labor Relations Act does not cover the unions, meaning workers could go on strike as soon as their contracts expire.