Dockworkers Vote on Contract

West Coast dockworkers began voting yesterday on a contract deal that was reached after labor disputes. ILWU last month suggested that the union approve the six-year deal that boosted wages and benefits, despite potential job losses due to emerging technology. The union plans to report results of the vote on January 22. If approved, the deal would go into effect immediately. The deal will allow employers to implement new technology, which could result to an estimated 440 to 500 job losses, but would give the union control over remaining positions and any new ones created with the new technologies.