Jesse Jackson rallies
in support of dockworkers

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By Paul Wilborn
Associated Press

LOS ANGELES >> Thousands of union dockworkers received Labor Day support from the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who told them to "stand your ground" in their contract dispute at West Coast ports.

Jackson, who attended a rally where members of other unions also gathered to support the dockworkers, said he was "in solidarity with the Longshoreman." He promised to return if management locked out the workers.

The contract for workers who handle trade at 29 major West Coast ports expired July 1. The ports, which handle more than $300 billion in cargo annually, have remained in operation with short-term extensions, but the latest extension expired Sunday.

Without a deal, dockworkers at the ports could start work slowdowns. The shipping lines that employ them have threatened a lockout if there is a job action.

Points of issue in the contract talks have been arbitration, health benefits and new technology that could costs jobs.

President Bush, who has been considering possible federal intervention in case of a walkout, "wants to make an example of you," Jackson said during a Labor Day picnic in a Wilmington park a few miles from the port.

Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn sent the president a letter yesterday urging him to stay out of the conflict between 10,500 members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, and the Pacific Maritime Association, which represents shippers.

"Federal intervention at this critical juncture is not needed and may well exacerbate the dispute," Hahn wrote.

Discussion of a strike or a lockout by shipping lines was the topic of the day as union members ranging from dockworkers to pipefitters and schoolteachers joined in the rally.

"If there is no contract, there will be no business as usual at California's ports," said Jerry Acosta, a spokesman for the AFL-CIO.

ICWU member Tarin Casillas, who attended the picnic and rally with his wife and 2-year-old son, said he was encouraged to see so many union members from around Southern California at the event.

"We want to show the world we're united," Casillas said.

On average, a full-time longshoreman earned $80,000 last year and a full-time foreman averaged $167,000, according to maritime association records.