LONGVIEW (AP) — The president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union has turned himself in to authorities to face misdemeanors in connection with a protest that blocked a train.
Robert McEllrath, a Vancouver resident, was released shortly after being cited Monday. McEllrath says he is standing up for other Longshore workers who have been harshly punished their activities.
McEllrath was charged with trespassing and obstructing a train in connection with a Sept. 7 protest in which hundreds gathered on railroad tracks near to block a shipment headed into the Port of Longview.
The union believes it has the right to work jobs at a new grain terminal that is currently staffed by a different union. Authorities have arrested dozens of protesters in recent months.
