7 arrested in union dispute at Port of Longview

Monday, July 25, 2011

LONGVIEW, Wash. (AP) -- Seven people were arrested at a Longshore union protest at a new grain terminal at the Port of Longview, including one on suspicion of felony harassment.

The Cowlitz County sheriff's office says the protesters Monday were more aggressive than in the past and turned their aggression on deputies, Longview and Kelso police officers and state troopers.

The Longview-based union local said it's not looking for trouble and that the EGT grain terminal should hire longshoremen.

The Daily News reports officers escorted 15 to 20 EGT workers to the terminal Monday as they prepare to start grain shipments this fall.

EGT says it is not required to hire through the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. A lawsuit in the case won't go to trial until next year.

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Information from: The Daily News, http://www.tdn.com