WEST COAST WATERFRONT COALITION APPLAUDES THE PRESIDENT'S LEADERSHIP

-The Use of Taft-Hartley was Necessary to Reopen Ports; Avert Economic Crisis-

[October 9, 2002- Washington, DC] - In a statement today, the West Coast Waterfront Coalition applauded the President for his leadership in using the Taft-Hartley Act to reopen the West Coast ports.

"We know this was an extremely difficult decision for the President," said WCWC Executive Director Robin Lanier. "We understand the reluctance of the administration to intervene in a dispute between private parties. For this reason, we believe the President has shown extraordinary leadership in taking the steps he took yesterday. This could not have been an easy step for him."

The Taft-Hartley Act allows the president to intervene in labor disputes if the National Health and Safety are at stake. Last night a judge in San Francisco took steps that will reopen the ports today.
"The President rightly recognized that many workers in many industries that depend on waterborne commerce and the West Coast ports could be harmed by the extended lockout. Many of these workers in agriculture, manufacturing, transportation and retailing were facing imminent layoffs if the West Coast docks did not reopen soon. Mr. Bush's actions will insure that these workers get back to work quickly," Lanier said. "His leadership on this issue will also help to forestall a deepening economic crisis that could severely impact retail sales this coming holiday season."

"We well understand that this was not an easy decision for the President to make, but it was the right decision and we are very grateful to him.