OAKLAND, Calif. — Custodial and maintenance workers picketed Tuesday at one of the nation’s busiest ports, blocking trucks from picking up and delivering goods on what had been expected to be a busy day before the Thanksgiving holiday.
Ships waited at six of the seven terminals at the Port of Oakland, as intermittent rain soaked hundreds of angry workers who carried signs and blocked entrances during the one-day protest over stalled contract talks.
“We’re letting management and the public know that they can’t treat us like that,” said Lynn Riordan, a communications staff member for Service Employees International Union Local 1021.
Across town, dozens of additional service union members picketed at Oakland International Airport after walking off their jobs late Monday. Those employees are covered under the same contract as port workers.
No flights were affected, port spokesman Isaac Kos-Read said.
The port declared an impasse in negotiations in May, and the two sides were to meet on Nov. 29. The talks broke down amid issues involving pay, benefits and a demand by the port that custodial and maintenance workers contribute to their retirement fund.
The port handles roughly 2.3 million cargo containers a year, generating about $300 million in revenue. Officials, however, say the facility is $1.3 billion in debt.
The service union, which represents electricians, clerical workers, security personnel and janitors, contends that the port is withholding requested financial information. The union also said port officials have implemented unilateral changes during bargaining sessions.
Front Section, Pages 5 on 11/21/2012