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Docks grind to a halt as employers block new contracts

CONTAINER ships remained stuck at US docks or anchored just offshore yesterday as employers fought to block a new contract for dockworkers.

Dockworkers and employers have been negotiating over a new contract since May last year, but in recent weeks talks have stalled, all but paralysing the 29 ports that handle about one-quarter of US international trade — around $1 trillion (£650bn) worth of cargo annually.

To increase the pressure, companies that run marine terminals locked out the majority of dockworkers on Thursday. 

Employers didn’t call crews to operate cranes that hoist cargo on and off ships.

The partial lockout is also planned for today, Sunday and Monday. 

Each is either a holiday or weekend for which employers would have to pay dockworkers extra.

Employers claim dockworkers have intentionally slowed down their work for months. 

The dockworkers’ union denies slowing down and points to the employers’ lockout as causing increased problems.

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