Tentative Approval Given to Port Pact

Averting a possible strike that could have halted shipments through the Port of Hueneme, the Oxnard Harbor District reached a tentative agreement Wednesday with the union representing its 18 employees.

Negotiators for the Service Employees International Union Local 998 helped craft a proposal to hike workers’ pay an average of 15% by 2005, provide bigger pensions and maintain the current seniority system.

The proposed three-year pact maintains current language regarding other worker rights, such as holding union meetings at the port, but there were concessions.

The district would limit its future payments for medical insurance and rein in retiree health-benefit provisions.

Currently, an employee retiring at 50 is guaranteed lifetime health insurance after working five years at the port.

“We’re satisfied that our people will be protected on the medical,” said Stephen Lynch, a member of the union’s bargaining committee.

“You never get everything that you want.... We think we were able to maintain the things we think are most precious,” Lynch said.

Wages for the local’s unionized workers now range from $13 an hour for a beginning clerical worker to $23.40 an hour for an experienced wharfinger, who helps coordinate vessel traffic in and out of the port’s five berths.

The 18-person staff also includes eight maintenance workers, who have the same pay scale as wharfingers.

The formula for determining pension payments would be altered--raised to 2 1/2% from 2%--to provide higher paychecks to retirees. For instance, an employee with 30 years at the port would now be paid 75% of his or her final salary in retirement rather than 60%.

Other contract enhancements include adding Cesar Chavez’s birthday as a paid holiday and increasing the amount of accumulated sick leave workers can cash out when they retire.

The tentative agreement came after two days of extended bargaining.

District officials declared an impasse Aug. 20 after the union announced publicly its membership had authorized a strike if there was no progress in negotiations.

When talks broke down last week, the union had sought 17% in raises and the district had offered 13%

Port Executive Director William J. Buenger said the two sides will return to the table Friday to “consolidate the document” by reviewing the final wording of the various items before a revised contract is submitted to union members for a vote, which is expected Wednesday

The Harbor Commission must also approve the contract before it can take effect.