ITF general secretary Stephen Cotton has written to International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) president Harold Daggett to pledge ‘undivided solidarity’ in their fight.
The letter continues: ‘The Ports of Delaware River Marine Trade Association (PMTA) and the Philadelphia Port Authority think they can continue to unilaterally drive down terms and conditions.
'Certain companies in the jurisdiction are deliberately pitting worker against worker in a blatant attempt to undermine both the ILA-USMX Master Contract and local agreements. Further, the PMTA has been unwilling to engage in genuine good faith discussions with the ILA in order to find a solution.
‘The situation cannot continue. The PMTA underestimates the strength of the ILA, the strength of its members, and the strength of solidarity of your international sisters and brothers. The ITF and all our affiliates suffer attacks time and time again, but time and time again we fight back. And time and time again we win.'
The full letter is here.
