Labor Dispute Slows Portland Dock Work

A dispute over interpretation of a new labor contract for dock workers has led to sporadic slowdowns at major West Coast ports, including the Port of Portland.

Terry Lane, vice president of the Pacific Maritime Association, said the dispute centers on wage and hour provisions for shipping clerks under a labor agreement that took effect Oct. 26.

On Monday, dock workers in Portland averaged about 24 container movements per hour - one-fourth less than the usual number - while unloading a container ship operated by K-Line America.