Labor unions criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom after he vetoed a measure aimed at protecting longshore jobs by limiting the use of public funds for port automation.
Newsom said in a statement that the bipartisan SB-34 legislation would limit ports’ flexibility and modernization, and undercut operational efficiency and competitiveness. He added that he favored modernization in tandem with other worker protections.
Shipping interests had opposed the measure along with environmental groups and community advocates who said it would have tied the hands of local air districts, limiting their ability to enforce regulations to curb pollution from ports.
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union representing 42,000 West Coast dockworkers has fiercely opposed port automation, but negotiated contracts permitting semi-automation while preserving jobs.
On the East Coast, the International Longshoremen’s Association in a statement called the veto a “gut punch” with Newsom siding with foreign-based ocean carriers in a “betrayal” of the working class.
“California had the opportunity to lead the nation in proving that progress and people can coexist,” the ILA said. “Instead, the Governor chose profit over principle.”
Find more articles by Stuart Chirls here.
Related coverage:
U.S. ships built in China exempt from new port fees
New China sanctions on South Korean company aiding U.S. shipbuilding
Despite U.S. decline, global container traffic sets new record
