WEST COAST TERMINAL OPERATORS, ILWU TO START NEGOTIATIONS MAY 6

WEST COAST TERMINAL OPERATORS, ILWU TO START NEGOTIATIONS MAY 6    The Pacific Maritime Association, representing the management of container terminals at U.S. West Coast ports, and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, which represents workers, will start discussions on May 6 to negotiate a new labor contract.
   The current three-year contract between the Pacific Maritime Association and the union will expire on July 1.
   Jack Suite, manager at the Pacific Maritime Association, said that the scheduled May 6 would be the first formal meeting between both sides to negotiate a new contract.
   The Pacific Maritime Association hopes to revise work practices, introduce new technology and raise productivity under the new contract.