SEATTLE – A union representing thousands of dock workers said it would shut down cargo movement at all U.S. West Coast ports on Tuesday in solidarity with protesters demonstrating against global trade talks in Seattle.
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union said 9,600 of its members would participate in the daylong action.
Brian McWilliams, president of the union, said the action was meant to demonstrate the importance of workers to the global economy. “We are not anti-trade,” McWilliams said. “We are against free trade and for fair trade.” He said fair trade policies should benefit workers, protect the environment and promote democracy.
The protest is being held in conjunction with a labor-led mass action by demonstrators who are demanding reforms at the 5-year-old World Trade Organization, which begins ministerial meetings on Tuesday.
