Both Sides See 'Substantial Progress' in Longshoremen Talks, Schedule Another Round
The International Longshoremen's Association is reporting "substantial progress" in talks last week with the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) about a new contract, though little other word is leaking out of the contract talks. James Capo, chairman of the USMX, which represents shippers and ports in the talks, told us: "Sorry, but we have agreed to keep everything out of the press." But an ILA spokesman said another round of talks is scheduled for July 18-21 in Delray Beach, Fla.
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Both sides cited "substantial progress," both at the end of the June 27-29 meeting and at the end of an earlier round in late March, the spokesman said. He called the latest meeting "very productive" and "very encouraging" and said the ILA remains "very optimistic" that the talks will result in a solid proposal that union leaders can bring back to membership before the current contract expires Sept. 30.
ILA and USMX had earlier agreed to resume the talks June 27-29 (See ITT's Online Archives 12061104).