FMCS Chief Criticizes PMA’s Armed Actions

Oct. 1, 2002. The Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services, Peter J. Hurtgen, put out a press release this afternoon criticizing Pacific Maritime Association CEO Joseph Miniace’s bringing armed personnel to a meeting with the ILWU earlier this morning. Hurtgen called the behavior “inappropriate and a breach of bargaining protocol…”

The ILWU walked out of a meeting the FMCS called to discuss with the union and the employer association a possible federal mediation of the contract dispute between them. The employers’ lockout of ILWU longshore workers and their closing down all West Coast ports has spurred the federal government to look for solutions. But when the employers showed up at the meeting with armed thugs, the union walked out, putting further negotiations in question.

 “It’s good to see that President Bush’s newly appointed Director of the FMCS realizes the PMA is out of control,” said ILWU International President Jim Spinosa. “Maybe Miniace will regain his senses and start negotiating in good faith.”