Introduces bill codifying maritime slowdowns as unfair labor practices
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch today introduced the Preventing Labor Union Slowdowns (PLUS) Act to update federal law to define a labor slowdown by maritime workers as an unfair labor practice.
Slowdowns occur when workers deliberately reduce productivity, while pocketing normal pay and benefits, amid negotiations in order to gain leverage over their employer. When maritime workers use this tactic, it is not only unfair to the employer, but often causes substantial losses for local businesses importing and exporting goods. This issue has repeatedly come to a head during ongoing negotiations at West Coast ports with maritime labor unions, and it was a tactic used as recently as last week.
“Labor union slowdowns have caused Idaho businesses to lose tens of millions of dollars,” said Risch. “With labor negotiations underway on the West Coast, unions have already instituted slowdowns that are destined to have massive financial repercussions. I implore my colleagues to support and pass the Preventing Labor Union Slowdowns Act to protect our national supply chain and stop another slowdown before it costs America hundreds of millions in losses.”
Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) joined Senator Risch in introducing the PLUS Act.
“American industry relies on innovation and advancement to remain competitive in a global economy. Reducing slowdowns by eliminating unfair labor practices imposed by unions is best for maritime workers and their livelihoods while allowing companies to compete in a modern marketplace,” said Crapo.
“We all saw the consequences of fragile supply chains over the past few years. The PLUS Act takes the important step of making intentional labor slowdowns an unfair labor practice. Contract disputes and tactics to increase Big Labor leverage should not be allowed to jeopardize the livelihoods of North Carolinians,” said Budd.
“With inflation continuing to hurt Florida families every day, government should be making it as easy as possible to transport everyday goods that people need at lower costs. It’s time to pass the PLUS Act so we can cut red tape, keep workers on the job and prevent future supply chain disruptions. I urge my colleagues to support this good bill,” said Scott.
As a result of a labor dispute in 2015, maritime slowdowns on the West Coast caused $50 million in losses to Idaho’s potato industry according to the Idaho Potato Commission.
