Strike Averted at Oakland Port

MARCH 5, 2004) After 22 months at the bargaining table, Port of Oakland employees, represented by SEIU Local 790 have reached a tentative agreement with the Port of Oakland. Details will be held until the Port membership has had the opportunity to review and vote on the package.

We are pleased to tell the community that we have been able to avert a strike," said Port of Oakland Union Chairperson Al Loera. The union negotiating team is recommending acceptance. "We thank the other Port unions, the Central Labor Council of Alameda County, and particularly the ILWU, for their demonstrations of support and solidarity."

Had a strike been called, the union had targeted the Oakland Airport and the Port Maritime terminals for picketing. With pledges of support from unionized longshore workers and drivers, ships would have not been unloaded and airport traffic would have significantly been disrupted.

SEIU Local 790 represents 300 clerical, administrative, custodial, and maintenance employees at the airport, the seaport, and the Port's administrative headquarters. The union contract had expired on June 30, 2002. The parties have been at the bargaining table since April, 2002. For further information, please contact SEIU Local 790.