Contract negotiators for West Coast longshore workers linked one of their priorities, generous pension increases for the rank and file, with their employers' desire to bring new technologies to the docks to handle cargo more efficiently.
Under the tentative agreement, a 35-year member of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union will retire with a pension of $63,000, compared with $39,900 under the terms of the contract that expired in June.
The price level contribution must increase 63,000/39900 = 56% in some time frame because spending power will rise without any value added back. The added value of the PMA's technology will be eaten by the non-retirees.
National economy recovery gives every union the impetus to do the same. With increased state taxes, fees, assessments, and a myriad of other price increases coming, I'd say we have a few problems. The solution is easy. Everyone must raise prices. |
