PMA Statement on Tentative Contract Agreement

For Immediate Release
November 23, 2002

PMA STATEMENT ON TENTATIVE CONTRACT AGREEMENT

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – PMA President and CEO Joseph Miniace released the following statement tonight in light of the tentative agreement reached in the contract negotiations with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union:

“This tentative agreement provides additional tools to bring our ports into the 21^st century and enhance the West Coast’s competitive standing in the world. 

“The technology that will be coming to the ports will be good for the economy, and likely will play a critical role in America’s national security efforts.

“FMCS Director Peter Hurtgen and his team made a significant contribution to help bridge the gaps that existed between the PMA and ILWU.  We owe him and his team significant credit.

“With this contract, we are ushering in a new era of modernization.  It’s also time to usher in a new era of mutual respect and trust between the PMA and ILWU. 

“By working together to further modernize the terminals, we will continue to create high quality jobs for future generations and cement our region’s dominance in Pacific Rim trade.”

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