Union on Union Violence Shuts Down Port Terminal

by | Jul 25, 2011 | Uncategorized

EGT Development was forced to indefinitely shut down its new grain terminal at the Port of Longview, WA on Friday due to escalating union violence.  A spokesman for EGT said the facility will remain closed until the company can insure its employees will be safe. 100 protestors from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 21 blocked the gates to the terminal on Friday. According to sheriff’s deputies, unidentified protesters surrounded an EGT employee’s vehicle, threatened to throw hot coffee in his face and knocked his hand away when he attempted to photograph them.  The father of the local’s president was also arrested on two counts of malicious mischief as he was caught by surveillance cameras breaking the antenna off a passing car and throwing an egg on another. “We’re fine with the legal, peaceful protests. But when things cross the line and we start getting reports of vehicles being stopped, threats being made… we’re going to respond to those,” Cowlitz County Sheriff Mark Nelson said.  90 ILWU protesters were arrested July 11 for allegedly tearing down a fence and blocking EGT workers from loading grain. The dispute began when talks broke down between the ILWU and EGT two months ago.  The situation was inflamed last week when the company made the decision to staff the new facility with members of the Operating Engineers Local 701.  Signs on Friday read “ILWU Jurisdiction” and “701 Scabs”  and the giant inflatable union rat was also brought to the terminal gate.  “We’re going to fight for our jurisdiction.” Local 21 President Dan Coffman said.

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