Longshore union says it won’t join protest

Sun., Nov. 27, 2011

LONGVIEW, Wash. – The International Longshore and Warehouse Union is saying thanks but no thanks to a call from some Occupy protesters to shut down West Coast ports on Dec. 12.

Occupy Oakland passed a resolution last week calling for a “mass mobilization” in support of the union’s fight against the owners of a new grain terminal at the Port of Longview, Wash.

The union is already facing heavy court fines for vandalism and blocking trains to the port in September, and a federal judge warned the workers to stop violating their contract, the Daily News of Longview reported.

Union President Robert McEllarth said the union appreciates the support from Occupy protesters but hasn’t authorized any shutdown.

He said only union members or their elected representatives can authorize such job actions.

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Longshore union says it won’t join protest

Jesse Tinsley

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Molly Quinn

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