 Knowles Praises Resumption of Alaska Shipping October 04, 2002
The announcement comes as CSX, one of two major container lines that services Alaska, reached agreement with the union on an exemption to allow the loading of Alaska bound ships. The other major container line, TOTE, reached a similar agreement late yesterday. "Shipping is a lifeline to Alaska, providing two thirds of the goods that Alaska families and businesses need," Knowles said. "We depend on shipped container vans for everything from food and clothing to building materials. Even the Sunday funnies and state election pamphlets were affected by this labor dispute. "I'm very pleased that both shippers and the longshoremen's union have recognized the unique dependence that Alaska has on the shipping industry and have reached this agreement to continue to load Alaska bound ships," Knowles said. Aware of a possible job action in the shipping industry, Knowles first requested an Alaska exemption in a letter to ILWU leaders back in May. The Administration continued its contacts as tensions between the two sides mounted late in the summer. When a lockout occurred last week, Knowles spoke on the phone with both union leaders and shippers. In Kodiak yesterday, Knowles talked with local CSX port managers about potential impacts to the community and seafood industry. Knowles later spoke directly to CSX chief Chuck Raymond and sent him a letter detailing the problems to Alaska from a prolonged labor action. Among the concerns cited by the Governor were shortness of basic supplies, worsening fall weather patterns and the approach of winter, shortness of supplies needed by seafood processors, and complications in southbound shipment of Alaska seafood, which could have buyers of Alaska products looking elsewhere. Knowles received assurances from ILWU leaders early this week that they would load Alaska bound vessels if an exemption was granted by the shippers. He thanked Alaska ILWU members Carl Norman of Seward, president of the state Longshore Division, and Pete Hendrickson in Unalaska, a member of the ILWU National Executive board, for their efforts and support in gaining an Alaska exemption. Knowles also thanked Alaska-based CSX executives Eric Britten and Frank Peake of Anchorage for emphasizing the importance of resuming regular freight shipments to Alaska.
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