Title: U.S. Dockworkers’ Union ILWU Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection
Subtitle: ILWU seeks resolution in pending litigation with International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI)
Date: October 1, 2023
By: Jose Joseph
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), representing U.S. dockworkers, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in order to address a pending litigation with the Oregon affiliate of International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI). The union made the filing on September 30 in a San Francisco court, stating its assets and liabilities range from $1 million to $10 million.
ILWU International President Willie Adams expressed the union’s frustration with the long-standing litigation, saying, “While we have attempted numerous times to resolve the decade-long litigation with ICTSI Oregon, at this point, the Union can no longer afford to defend against ICTSI’s scorched-earth litigation tactic.” Adams emphasized that the chapter 11 process will be utilized to implement a plan that brings a resolution to the matter, ensuring the union can continue to serve its members and the community effectively.
ICTSI, a Philippines-based maritime company, has not yet responded to requests for comment on the bankruptcy filing.
According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, the ILWU has been facing allegations of illegally slowing down operations at the Port of Portland, which was then operated by an ICTSI affiliate. The impending trial has been a significant source of concern for the union.
The ILWU, which represents more than 4,000 members across the United States and Canada, plans to file customary “First Day” motions with the court to maintain its cash management system as part of the reorganization process.
In August, the union ratified a six-year contract for U.S. dockworkers, securing improved pay and benefits for 22,000 employees at 29 ports spanning from California to Washington State.
Jose Joseph reporting in Bengaluru; Editing by Aurora Ellis
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