Thousands of dockworkers from Seattle to San Diego didn’t show up at work today, forcing the closure of all 29 ports in the Western United States — including the busiest American ports at Los Angeles and Long Beach. What the hell?
“We are supporting the troops and telling politicians in Washington that it’s time to end the war in Iraq,” said the dockworkers’ union boss, Pacific Maritime Association president Bob McEllrath. The Longshoremen’s union is also protesting today.
The whole-day shutdown was planned back in January, the AP reports.
Semi-trucks awaiting cargo from China were turned back from the docks. Mile-long trains awaiting containers are sitting idle. [AP Photo]
Dockworkers take May Day off, idling all West Coast ports [LA Times]
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