PORTLAND -- The International Longshore and Warehouse Union has filed a federal lawsuit over money the Port of Portland recently agreed to pay to its terminal operator to help defray losses caused by this summer's labor strife.
The suit filed Thursday names the Port and its executive director, Bill Wyatt. It seeks an injunction against the $4.7 million payment to ICTSI Oregon Inc., which operates the Port's container terminal.
The suit contends it is illegal for a public agency such as the Port of Portland to help one side or the other in a public sector labor dispute.
The dispute stemming from whether certain work should be performed by longshoremen or union electricians disrupted the flow of cargo this summer and led container ships to temporarily bypass Portland.
