PMA CALLS FOR INTERNATIONAL PERIMETER OF PORT SECURITY

PMA CALLS FOR INTERNATIONAL PERIMETER OF PORT SECURITY    The Pacific Maritime Association, which is participating in contract talks with the International Longshore & Warehouse Union, said Thursday that “the issue of port security transcends the individual agendas of labor or management.”
   The PMA in a statement called for “an international perimeter of security for the nation’s ports.” By computerizing the movement of cargo information, the U.S. government is moving that perimeter “to ports of origin around the world,” the statement noted.
   The ILWU, earlier this week, offered new proposals to enhance port security. “There are no systems in place to provide adequate security inspections,” said James Spinosa, president of the ILWU. “We want to work cooperatively with shipping companies … and create an effective plan to secure our ports.”
   Joe Miniace, chief executive officer of the PMA, urged the ILWU “to respond now” to a prior PMA “union-employer” proposed pledge of participation in federal security programs.