1 - American Memory

250
National Labor Relations Board. It Is joint employer bargaining. This means
that all employer members of Pacific Maritime Association should have an equal
interest and commitment in the collective bargaining process. H.R. 7189 would
destroy this equality assumption. A few employers will operate during a strike,
others will not. The economic impact on employers in the same collective bar-
gaining unit would therefore be distorted. Divislveness on bargaining goals and
objectives will follow, thereby impairing effective employer bargaining strength.
This divislveness fear is not imagined. What is happening right here in these
hearings underscores that fear. On behalf of most of the Pacific Maritime Asso-
ciation members, I am here opposing H.R. 7189. But, I understand, ready to
testify in support of the bill is at least one of our large and important members,
namely Matson, which services Hawaii. The divislveness process is already
starting.
3. PUBUC r.\TERE8T PHESSCBE
While the public interest may have only a slight Impact on the decision making
processes that either lead to or avoid transportation strikes, the public interest
does play a major role in shortening the duration of such strikes. A best example
Is the 1971-1972 West Coast dock strike. The public protest against the strike
became so widespread that Joint Senate and House Resolutions to terminate the
strikes were Introduced. Within a week of the February 4, 1972 Senate and
House hearings on those measures, an agreement was concluded between PMA
and ILWU.
No other neutral third party, generically termed the "public," was more vocal
than Hawaii in calling for intervention to terminate that strike. With Hawaii
out of the picture, the proposed legislation probably would have been delayed
and the strike further prolonged. If H.R. 7189 becomes law. it will therefore
saddle neutrals other than Hawaii with potentially more devastating strike
hardships, for the public clamor for relief will be lessened. Thus, while relieving
Hawaii and the other islands, H.R. 7189 will very likely impose additional bur-
dens on others.
CONCI.U8I0N
In conclusion. Pacific Maritime Association opposes H.R. 7189 mainly because
It would gravely weaken Pacific Maritime Association in its collective bargaining
relationships with the various unions representing dockside and offshore mari-
time employees. While all of us in the maritime Industry are anxious to avoid or
eliminate strikes, exempting Hawaii and other U.S. Pacific Islands is not the
answer.
THE QUAKER OATS CO..
Chicago, in., September 9,1974.
Hon. HABI.EY O. STAOOEBS,
House of Rcpregentatives,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR SIR : I am writing as Chairman of the Transportation Legislation Committee
of the Canned Goods Shippers Conference, Inc.
The Canned Goods Shippers Conference Is a not-for-profit organization of
traflJc, transportation and distribution officers of some 51 companies, corporations
and associations (listed in the attached roster) engaged in the manufacture
and distribution of canned or preserved foodstuffs.
Many of these companies ship food products from the Mainland to Hawaii.
Because of that State's unusual dependence on waterborne commerre for
delivery of food products, the Conference continues to support H.R. 71S9.
This legislation would provide for the maintenance of normal shipping for a
period of 160 days in the event of strike or lock out. H.R. 7189 applies only between
the U.S. West Coast and Hawaii and Pacific Islands under U.S. control.
Tills conference urges your .support of this bill or any other Iwfislatlon which
will accomplish the objective of maintaining the flow of essential food products
to Hawaii in the event of transportation related strikes.
Respectfully.
J. R. MANN,
Ofneral Traffic if onager.
Chairman, Transportation Legislation Committee,
Canned Ooods Shippers Conference.
Attachment.