Nordana, ILA Reach Agreement
By Tony Bartelme

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The International Longshoremen's Association and Nordana Line have settled a 5-month-long dispute that triggered a riot over the line's use of nonunion labor. Nordana agreed to use ILA labor, and the ILA agreed to work the line's ships under the union's small-boat agreement, which allows smaller gang sizes and more work-rule flexibility than is permitted for regular container ships.

"All interested parties confirm that this arrangement has resolved the issues equitably and restored labor peace in Charleston," the ILA and Nordana said in a joint statement. The deal is effective May 1.

The conflict with Nordana and the Jan. 20 riot "was something that none of us ever wanted to see," said Kenneth Riley, president of ILA Local 1422. "But it happened, and we hope this agreement brings some finality to it all."

Charleston maritime leaders said they were relieved. "I'm happy it's settled," said John Hassell, president of the Maritime Association of the Port of Charleston. "It will relieve a great deal of tension on the waterfront."

"I'm glad they came to a mutual accommodation for the good of the port," said Bernard S. Groseclose Jr., president and chief executive officer of the South Carolina State Ports Authority. The conflict began last December when Nordana first used nonunion dockworkers hired by Winyah Stevedoring Inc. of Georgetown, S.C. ILA members carried pickets and briefly blocked the ports authority's Columbus Street Terminal entrance, but that protest was otherwise peaceful.

However, tension on the docks grew with every Nordana ship call, and in early January, about 75 longshoremen stormed through the terminal, disrupting Nordana's operations and forcing the ship to sail without some of its cargo. Two nonunion dockworkers were roughed up, though no arrests were made.

Two weeks later, on Jan. 20, several hundred longshoremen clashed with police who dispersed the crowd with tear gas and smoke grenades. At least 10 people, including two officers, were sent to the hospital. Five ILA members have been indicted on criminal rioting charges.

The Nordana issue was an emotional one for the ILA. Nordana, which had used ILA workers for 20 years, was the first container line calling Charleston to switch to a nonunion stevedore. Union dockworkers said they reacted to protect their container-handling jobs, which carry a base pay of $24 an hour, plus benefits. After the riot, Nordana and ILA leaders met privately several times to negotiate a long-term resolution.

Riley said he believes Nordana was feeling pressure from the International Transport Workers Federation and unions in other ports. "This issue is global in nature," he said. Nordana eventually agreed to abide by the ILA master contract's small-boat agreement, which applies to containerships with capacities of 500 TEUs or less.

Riley said, however, that if Nordana brings in larger container ships, the small-boat provision will not apply. The deal, he said, "maintains industry standards for wages." Under the agreement, Nordana's stevedoring will be handled by Dannebrog Stevedoring Inc. of Houston, which will hire ILA workers.