Jeff is correct, we did come within hours of a strike here in Alaska, following nine months of frustration in the pursuit of economic parity with the West Coast, Canada and Hawaii. We were also attempting to stabilize benefits for both actives and retirees, and achieve other gains in working conditions.
This was a real victory for us, for which we fought very hard. Most of you in the lower 48 were probably unaware of what has happened up here in the last week, it all came together so quickly. In just a few days we managed to take a statewide strike vote, no easy task with 14 ports scattered across thousands of miles of wilderness, get the employers back to the table and hammer out a very good deal for our members.
An important element was the support of the Coast Committee, along with various individual locals who expressed their concern and their willingness to pitch in and help out if we did have to strike to win an acceptable contract. We are very grateful for that support.
We look forward to seeing you all in Portland, with a new contract in hand.
Pete Hendrickson
B. A.
Dutch Harbor, Alaska
What he is talking about is the notice of a strike date by ILWU Alaska Longshore Division, local 200, against CSX (formerly Sea-Land), American President Lines, South East Stevedore, North Star Terminal & Stevedore, the Dutch Harbor operations of Priest Rock Maritime Services and Alaska Port Services, & the Cordova operations of Samson Tug & Barge. The strike was to happen on March 31 at 6:00 p. m. A tentative agreement was reached late Thursday night. Our last contract expired June 30, 1999.
Jeff Thrasher, 2214
Kodiak, AK
