Union, Port Officials Exchange Offers
Los Angeles city officials and striking port pilots exchanged new offers Sunday in closed-door contract talks, but by late evening, the two sides had not reached an accord.
“We’re just going back and forth with ideas,” said City Administrative Officer Keith Comrie. “There’s progress being made.”
“It’s been businesslike,” said pilot and union negotiator Will Baumann, of negotiations that lasted through the weekend at the San Pedro Hilton.
Thirteen of the city’s pilots, who supervise sea captains maneuvering immense vessels through the harbor, have been on strike since July 11. The ships have been guided by two management pilots and one who quit the union.
Pilots are seeking a 72% raise over two years, to $195,000 per year--which they say is the industry average.
The city has countered with a 17% hike over four years, to $133,000.
The talks also have focused on nonmonetary issues, such as privatization. The pilots want their jobs preserved if the city ever opts to contract with a private firm.
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