A federal judge declined to settle a labor conflict at the Port of Portland that's been diverting freight the last few days. Judge Michael Simon has handed the problem over to a familiar Oregon leader.
Judge Simon didn't rule on dueling requests for temporary restraining orders, which could have forced changes at the port.
At issue are two jobs at the Port of Portland related to plugging in and unplugging refrigeration systems at Terminal 6. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers both claim the jobs are theirs.
After listening to more than three hours of argument from attorneys, Judge Simon deemed it a jurisdictional debate best handled through a settlement process.
Then, the judge called on former Oregon governor, Ted Kulongoski, to serve as “special master” in the matter. Kulongoski will be paid 350 dollars an hour with Terminal 6 operator, I-C-T-S-I Oregon paying half of that, and the other half coming from the Longshore Union and the Pacific Maritime Association.
The judge asked all parties to come back to court next Friday.
At issue are two jobs at the Port of Portland related to plugging in and unplugging refrigeration systems at Terminal 6. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers both claim the jobs are theirs.
After listening to more than three hours of argument from attorneys, Judge Simon deemed it a jurisdictional debate best handled through a settlement process.
Then, the judge called on former Oregon governor, Ted Kulongoski, to serve as "special master" in the matter. Kulongoski will be paid $350 an hour with Terminal 6 operator, ICTSI Oregon paying half of that, and the other half coming from the Longshore Union and the Pacific Maritime Association.
The judge asked all parties to come back to court next Friday.
