Peter J Hurtgen News

FMCS Director Peter J. Hurtgen announced today that he has adjourned negotiations between ILWU and the PMA for a one-week period. This time will allow management to reassess costs and data from its members on issues related to pension enhancements for employees. Hurtgen stated that, "While the ILWU is prepared to continue with negotiations, and our talks have proceeded in good faith, management has requested additional time to evaluate anticipated technology based operational savings and pension funding costs into future years."

FMCS Director Peter J. Hurtgen announced that he is resuming the joint bargaining sessions between the Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshoremen and Warehouse Union on Thursday, October 24, 2002. Hurtgen and the mediation team met separately with the parties on October 16th and 17th and will perform fact-finding visits to the Long Beach and Oakland Ports on Monday, October 21 and Tuesday, October 22. Hurtgen stated that he has scheduled two days of negotiations for next week, but talks could be extended.