Marine Link
Thursday, March 28, 2024
SUBSCRIBE

Wally Baker News

08 Oct 2002

Port Closure May Increase Pressure on Congress

"It's kind of shocking to find out how much business is driven by LA's corridors and ports," said Senior Vice President Wally Baker, of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation. "The OnTrac Trade Impact Study mapped products throughout the country by Congressional District. It seems incredible that $2.6 billion is flowing between the Hoosier State and the LA Basin each year. According to the study Indiana had a $50 million cost in business interruption during the first week of the labor dispute. "The monthly cost to Indiana is $200 million and does not count the impact of other West Coast ports on the state," explained Baker, an Indiana native. "Even the US Treasury is very dependent on the revenue generated by the local rail corridors and ports.

25 Nov 2002

West Coast Port Dispute Reach Tenative Deal

The longshoremen and West Coast shippers have reached a tentative pact that addresses issues relating to pension benefits and arbitration procedures, including technological advancements. The agreement will allow the introduction of technology that would improve the flow of cargo through the West Coast terminals. The entire agreement which was announced late Saturday must be approved by members of the ILWU. Negotiations were guided by Peter Hurtgen, director of the Federal Mediation Conciliation Service. In a statement, the president said: "I am very pleased that labor and management have reached an agreement concerning the West Coast Ports. This agreement is good for workers, good for employers, and it's good for America's economy.