Talks Progressing Between PMA and ILWU on New West Coast Waterfront Labor Pact

SAN FRANCISCO, April 3, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) issued the following statement today regarding their negotiations on a new waterfront labor contract.

"Over the past three weeks, the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and the International Longshore Warehouse Union (ILWU) have exchanged documents, asked clarifying questions about them and continued formal discussions aimed at reaching a fair and reasonable agreement before the current six-year contract expires on July 1, 2008."

The current waterfront contract covers 25,000 ILWU-represented longshore workers at 29 west coast ports in California, Oregon and Washington. The PMA represents cargo carriers, terminal operators and stevedores operating on the west coast.

     Contacts:  Steve Getzug, PMA, (310) 633-9444 (o), (213) 219-8990 (c)

                Craig Merrilees, ILWU, (415) 775-0533, ext. 113 (o),
                (510) 774-5325 (c)