Just when all eyes are on West Coast port labor, the Charleston International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) filed paperwork for the right to strike. While there has yet to be any work stoppage or noticeable slow-downs, the local ILA in Charleston now has the legal right to strike.

There are three main aspects to the conflict: S.C. port terminal jobs, stevedoring jobs, and pension contributions.

In Charleston, state port jobs and stevedoring jobs are currently outside ILA jurisdiction since those jobs are sponsored by the state of South Carolina and private stevedoring companies. The ILA wishes to bring them in-house as ILA union jobs even though S.C. is a right to work state.

The other major point of contention is the ILA pension, and the Charleston ILA wishes to have the contribution increased.

Shapiro is watching this situation closely and will alert our customers and subscribers immediately as we receive new intelligence.