TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — A federal judge in Washington has fined a Longshore union $250,000 for its tactics in a Longview labor dispute.
U.S. District Judge Ronald Leighton says he needed to take action to stop what he called an “awful” situation. He has held the International Longshore and Warehouse Union in contempt for blocking a train and a protest at a grain terminal that caused damages.
The National Labor Relations Board had asked court to fine the union more than $290,000 to cover damages and other expenses. Leighton says he rounded down to be cautious and ordered additional penalties for future violations.
Union protesters believe they have the right to work at a new grain terminal that is currently being staffed by workers from a different union. The union plans to appeal.
