Wednesday, October 02, 2002
Re: West Coast Port Shutdown Update

Dear NASA Members:

Unfortunately the situation on the West Coast remains unchanged. The ports remain closed and the PMA states that they will not allow the ILWU back to work unless the ILWU agrees to sign the 24 hour contract extensions. If the ILWU agrees to sign the extensions then the PMA guarantees they will open the ports immediately.

Yesterday the two sides tried to get together to negotiate, but when the PMA arrived with armed security guards, the ILWU was outraged claiming that the PMA brought “armed thugs” into the negotiation room. The PMA maintains that the guards are a matter of precaution since death threats had been made against Mr. Miniace, the PMA’s lead negotiator.

The PMA has accepted the offer for a Federal or State Mediator, but the ILWU has refused any mediation to date. As the situation changes we will let you know. Thank you for your continued support of the North American
Shippers Association.

Kind regards,
Judy Mannix, Administrator
North American Shippers Association