June 22 (UPI) — Senator Jim Risch of Idaho, a Republican, is introducing a bill to redefine labor slowdowns by maritime workers as unfair labor practices through amendments to federal labor laws.
The bill seeks to diminish worker power while placing no additional constraints on maritime employers.
In his statement, Risch attributes maritime productivity slowdowns to workers, failing to mention any employer involvement in the disputes that lead to labor slowdowns.
“Labor union slowdowns have resulted in tens of millions of dollars in losses for Idaho businesses,” said Risch in a statement. “With ongoing labor negotiations on the West Coast, unions have already implemented slowdowns that will have significant financial consequences. I urge my colleagues to support and pass the Preventing Labor Union Slowdowns Act to safeguard our national supply chain and prevent further losses amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars for America.”
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) declined to comment on the bill and has not issued a statement regarding it.
If enacted, the bill would penalize maritime workers who deliberately reduce productivity during negotiations to gain leverage over their employer. It would also prevent workers from impeding port modernization efforts.
The bill proposes amendments to the National Labor Relations Act and the Labor Management Relations Act with the aim of diminishing unions’ existing power. It is jointly sponsored by Senator Rick Scott of Florida and Senator Mike Crapo of Idaho.
Under the bill, workers would face fines equal to twice the amount of damages sustained plus legal fees for engaging in the newly defined unfair labor practice of slowing production.
According to the AFL-CIO legislative scorecard, Risch consistently votes against legislation supported by organized labor, making him one of the most anti-union members of Congress.
The Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union announced on June 15 that they have reached a tentative labor contract agreement for 29 West Coast ports. The agreement is subject to ratification by union workers before it becomes final.
Two weeks prior to the agreement, waterfront workers from Los Angeles to Seattle participated in labor negotiations by delaying cargo deliveries through work boycotts.
