Following an adverse verdict with damages of $19 million awarded, the Internal Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.  The November 2019 verdict arises from an action brought by ICTSI an Oregon terminal operator.  The jury in the case found that the Union had engaged in unlawful practices over four years including stoppages, work-to-rule and other action that impeded operation of the export terminal.

The quantum of damages was reduced from $93 million to $19 million by Judge Michael Simon is still contested by the ILWU.

The ILWU President Willie Adams stated, “While we have attempted numerous times to resolve the decade long litigation with ICTSI Oregon, the Union can no longer afford to defend against litigation.”  He added, “ILWU will continue to operate as usual through the restructuring process and will continue honoring its employee and payroll obligations.”  In August, the ILWU ratified a six-year labor contract with the Pacific Maritime Association that will presumably end labor disputes in West Coast ports.