The contract caucus began on the 28th of January and was recessed the afternoon of the 8th of February. The Coast Committee Report was supplemented by various committee reports and just under 200 resolutions. The Coast Committee discussed what was being done Internationally and nationally to put us in a stronger position once negotiations begin. There was the International Dockworkers Council held in August. Meeting with the Mexican Solidarity Delegation in October. And in November there was the Pacific Ports Conference and the ITF Maritime meetings, held in London . It was also recommended that the Union attends the Australian Dockers’ Convention, to be held in Sydney . In the past year the Union has stepped up our public relations efforts with ads on both radio and television. A network is being established to get information out to the various areas. A Communications Director has been put on staff and will direct the flow of information. The Coast has been actively supporting the Legislative Committee with active members for lobbying. The Coast Committee has expressed concern over the number of accidents and deaths in the last few years. Held accountability meetings with the shipping company officials over SAFETY VS. SPEED UP. Technology continues to be a thorn in our side. GLEN ANDERSON was the only negotiator in 2002 who voted against the last contract, His reason was that the tech section was too vague. 

On the negotiations, as they pertain to us; Maintenance of Benefits (MOB) is first priority and is a strike issue. There are several resolutions to increase our coverage, to add items, better vision and dental, and hearing. The caucus passed resolutions that increased surviving spouses to 100%, increased retiree’s pensions, death benefits and long term care. There is also a resolution for assistance in paying for our conventions with a voluntary assessment of five dollars per active member per year for a maximum of $70000.00. There is also a recommendation to do away with the requirement to be married prior to retirement for surviving spouses. The one year rule to remain. A resolution was passed that would separate the convention and caucus. The argument in favor was that two weeks was too long to be able to give the caucus the attention that it required. Though I’m sure the Employers have full knowledge of what transpired at the caucus and have seen every sheet of paper that had been passed out; I have tried not to be to specific. I don’t want them getting it from me first.