Ships to Avoid Port of Portland as Another U.S. Strike Looms

Another U.S. port is preparing for a looming labor strike

Cargo ships are planning to avoid the Port of Portland this weekend due to a strike threatened by marine terminal security guards represented by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. The diversions by the freighters are expected to hurt importers and exporters and damage Portland's reputation as an international freight hub.

Port officials plan on replacing the 25 workers during the strike, but picket lines are expected to shut down the three terminals where they work, according to the Beaumont Enterprise.

Negotiation discussions with a state government mediator are scheduled for Saturday in hopes of preventing the strike that is set to begin on Sunday morning. The security officers reportedly want a job security guarantee that Port managers have refused during 17 months of recurrent talks to provide.

Photo (thumb) Caption: Port of Portland Marine Terminal 6