Longshoremen union members OK Virginia port pact; BLET members consider CN-IC contract

International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) members employed at the Port of Virginia recently approved a six-year labor agreement.

Following months of negotiations, an agreement was reached Aug. 30 between the ILA and Hampton Roads Shipping Association, which represents employers at the port. ILA members approved the pact by a 736-to-284 vote.

The contract addresses pensions, start times, work hours and gang sizes for breakbulk vessels, which move non-containerized cargo.

"This is an equitable agreement that is mutually beneficial; we're grateful to both sides for their patience and their willingness to negotiate and find common ground," said Joseph Ruddy, chief operating officer of terminal operating company Virginia International Terminals L.L.C., in a press release.

The pact will help make Virginia the port of choice on the East Coast, said Rodney Oliver, the Virginia Port Authority's interim executive director.

Meanwhile, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen announced a tentative agreement was reached with CN's Illinois Central (IC) property governing pay and work rules for about 600 locomotive engineers.

The union has mailed ratification ballots to eligible members employed by CN-IC. Ballots are due Oct. 16.

CN acquired the IC in 1998. CN-IC's major north-south route connects Chicago with Mobile, Ala., and New Orleans.