International Longshoremen's Association Local 1588

Presses Labor Board charges against Global after threats of retaliation

Dear Labor Adjusters:

This letter is a grievance.

Global Terminals is violating the safety and jurisdiction provisions of the NYSA-ILA Portwide Agreement by not having a Pinman (a.k.a goundman / legman) with each machine. Untrained, non-ILA drivers wander into the stacks, stick their hands under the boxes, give unclear and inconsistent directions to operators, and sometimes leave before the spreader is unhooked. This dangerous situation is made even worse by the new RTGs which have poorer visibility and cabs that are higher off the ground.
RTG topples when trucker leaves before spreader is detached. Terminal unknown.

The lack of trained ILA members on the ground to signal properly and to safely direct the RTGs increases stress on the operator, slows production by creating additional moves, and puts outside drivers and operators at risk of injury and even death.

The work currently performed by untrained, outside truckers is rightfully Longshore work. Each RTG should be safely staffed by a Pinman with reasonable relief when loading or unloading containers onto a chassis.

Sincerely,
Anthony Falcicchio
President

After the Pin Man grievance was filed, Global threatened retaliation and the Union filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge at the National Labor Relations Board.