Crime

Unionized Longshoreman Revolt: Guards Held Hostage, Reports of Strike

Damaged railroad cars. Smashed windows. Dumped grain. Delayed trains. Guards held hostage. This was the scene at the center of a labor dispute in Washington state Thursday involving hundreds of Longshoremen and a company that is using labor from outside the union.

Later in the morning, reports of a wildcat strike at the ports of Seattle and Tacoma were being investigated.

Here’s some background. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union believes it has the right to work at the facility, but the company, EGT, has hired a contractor that’s staffing a workforce of other union laborers. OPB News reported last month that the union said EGT was violating the port’s lease agreement gave Longshoremen the work. EGT — which broke ground on its facility two years ago — is working through General Construction, a contractor to bring in Operating Engineers, a different union. The questions over the lease are in federal court.

Labor Union Damages Port of Longview After It Hired Contractors

Union worker grabbed by the throat by Cowlitz County sheriff Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011, while helping block a grain train from entering the Port of Longview, Wash. (Photo: AP/Don Ryan)

ILWU spokesman Craig Merrilees said union officials are trying to sort out what is happening at the two Washington ports and were not sure on Thursday morning if the strike is related to union activity in Longview. The spokesman at union headquarters in San Francisco said it appears Longshoremen in Seattle and Tacoma have taken action on their own, the Associated Press reported. Merrilees did not know how many workers are involved and to what extent the apparent wildcat action has spread.

Early Thursday, 500 Longshoremen broke down gates of the Port of Longview at about 4:30 a.m. and smashed windows in the guard shack, he said. Six guards were held hostage for a few hours.

No one was hurt, and nobody has been arrested. Most of the protesters returned to their union hall after cutting brake lines and spilling grain from car at the EGT terminal, Duscha said.

Thursday’s early morning violence was first reported by Kelso radio station KLOG.

Police from several agencies in southwest Washington, the Washington State Patrol and Burlington Northern Santa Fe responded to the violence to secure the scene that followed a clash with police the day before.

Labor Union Damages Port of Longview After It Hired Contractors

Longshoreman blocks train on Wednesday. (Photo: AP/Don Ryan)

“We’re not surprised,” Duscha said. “A lot of the protesters were telling us this in only the start.”

On Wednesday, one sergeant was threatened with baseball bats and retreated, Duscha said. “One officer with hundreds of Longshoremen? He used the better part of discretion.”

The train was the first grain shipment to arrive at Longview. It arrived Wednesday night after police arrested 19 demonstrators who tried to block the tracks. They were led by ILWU International President Robert McEllrath, who said they would return.

Watch yesterday’s local CBS report on the demonstrators blocking the train:

The blockade appeared to defy a federal restraining order issued last week against the union after it was accused of assaults and death threats.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Comments (456)

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  • ejbonk
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:38pm

    At the center of all this a LOCAL UNION PRESIDENT will be found to have caused this. And No action will be used against him. I bet he will even be promoted within the union management structure with in 12 months. THE PROBLEM IS THE UNIONS AND THEir MANAGEMENT ARE NEVER HELD ACOUNTABLE<BY THE LAW!

    Report Post »  
    • SavingtheRepublic.com
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 5:43pm

      ~^~v~~^~~v~^~
      Of course there will be no charges brought on the unions president or any of the members who took part in this revolt. We have evidence of property damage and illegal imprisonment (help me out here legal eagles whats the term used?) and since its union vs union no one goes to jail. This is just another example that the unions time has come to go the way of the dinosaur.

      Im curious to know how these unions are tied to the larger organizations? Surely there must be a common bond, spinoff of the big mouth unions that care more about themselves than actual workers and this nation. Do they even realize they bully position is one of the many reasons companies have outsourced overseas. Its was bad enough basic operating expenses were increasing then the demands by unions made it even worse. http://SavingtheRepublic.com

      Report Post » SavingtheRepublic.com  
    • delusionhunter
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 5:44pm

      From the Lib Seattle Post — http://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/Longshoremen-storm-Wash-port-over-labor-dispute-2160851.php

      Report Post »  
    • MHP
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 5:47pm

      Some of these guards I used to work with at the Port I was gettin ready to send this to the Blaze.

      They should be charged with Kidnapping which is against Federal Law, and they can face life in prison on each count.

      Report Post » MHP  
    • SpeckChaser
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 5:57pm

      I notice on stories like this one, those on the liberal side are often quite or quick to highlight some other example right wing example as a way to dismiss the story at hand. Excluding the far right and far left, I like to think the opposite sides can have productive debate. It would be nice to see some of the liberals condemn these criminals for what they are, criminals. I guess I will see.

      Also, think of the airtime this story would have if the headline was Tea Party Revolt: Guards Held Hostage, Reports of Strike. If this was the case I’d be one of the first to condemn.

      Report Post » SpeckChaser  
    • t00nces2
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 5:59pm

      I am sure Tampa will offload all that shipping cargo. Florida is a right to work state, and as such, I am sure they would be happy for the business.

      Report Post »  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:04pm

      This is what democracy looks like. We can’t get our way, WAAAHH, then I will break your toys and burn the place down…..sounds like the mafia, except the mafia has standards.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • godlovinmom
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:05pm

      The whole time I’m reading this story, the words of Mr. Hoffa are “shooting” through my mind, “take them SOB’s down”, apparently they are just following orders. When gangs, mobs, rioters get out of hand, we arrest them, why not the union?

      Report Post » godlovinmom  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:14pm

      Where’s the creepy JZS today? He was here yesterday telling us all how benign and not dangerous the unions are. Sucks to be a lefty.

      Report Post »  
    • Clean House
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:17pm

      No National Guard? Local Union Cops won‘t or can’t handle this.
      Union folks, keep linning Jimmy & Barry’s pockets. Detriot is a great example of your return.

      Report Post »  
    • Bill Rolleri
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:31pm

      Holding anyone hostage is kidnapping, which is against Federal Law. One might hope that Holder will prosecute those responsible…but then he refuses to prosecute the Black Panthers who obstructed voters in Philly last national election, and unions give tons of loot to Obama’s war chest…so, do we have to guess?

      Report Post » Bill Rolleri  
    • stablepar
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:50pm

      a lot of this and someone is going to take a hard look at hoffa. these guys took their marching orders seriously

      Report Post »  
    • vehoae
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:57pm

      Well EJBONK, that’s because law enforcement officers (local, county, state, and federal) are mostly unionized themselves. Don’t you remember what happened in Wisconsin when union employees and outsiders stormed the Capital? Video cameras caught State Police inside and outside the Capital standing aside, saying they weren’t about to stop the protesters because they supported them. Remember how the Border Patrol union (an affiliate of AFGE – the largest federal employee union) supported Obama’s position on illegal aliens? They’ve been very quiet since the gun scandal has been unfolding, and more of their ranks have been murdered by Mexican war lords.

      And we’re having the same type of problem within the U.S. military — the ranks jambpacked with men/women whose basic loyalty is for the Rainbow Coalition or Islam. Look at all the concessions the U.S. military is now making by letting homosexuals hold events on military bases and at taxpayers’ expense. The latest report the other day was that the U.S. military will now allow and distribute homosexual magazines. If you read the military online news reports (i.e. Army Times) you can see decent, God-fearing military personnel speaking out on what they are facing – i.e. the latest policy forbidding them from farting while around fellow soldiers who are Muslims.

      This Republic is in trouble. My flag’s upside down. Lord, come quickly. http://www.stillstandingup.com

      Report Post »  
    • Seamus236
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:57pm

      The Unionistas and the Obamafurher’s Brown Shirts or SA, his paramilitary thug army. Watch who is sitting with HerObamaness at the “speech” tonight, more unionista THUGS. Unions might have ONCE been a good group, now, they are just punk bullies, doing the dirty “wet work” of their puppet-masters. I’ve zero respect for any union thug.

      Report Post »  
    • Steve
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:03pm

      I wonder if Holder will press for indictments for those who committed federal offences ie kidnapping.

      Report Post »  
    • joehanx2
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:24pm

      because the law is unionized

      Report Post »  
    • frodis
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:40pm

      Did this happen? Haven’t seen it on the regular news. Do the unions have THAT much control? No arrests for kidnapping and vandalism? What’s wrong here?

      Report Post » frodis  
    • georgiavietvet
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 9:05pm

      EJBONK………………… amen brother. why weren’t these thugs arrested, thrown in jail and prosecuted? sounds to me like the various police agencies were told to let them go. but who gave the order? eric, obama’s d!(k, holder would be my guess………………………..

      Report Post »  
    • Arborist
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 9:12pm

      The problem is the Law is never held accountable by the law. Nor are most government employees and or corporate heads who have brought the country to its knees. We have arrived at a turning point in the country’s history and the more we promote the crushing of labor the longer it will take to recover.

      Report Post »  
    • thepatriotdave
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 9:35pm

      Unions have become the modern day Anarchists movement!

      Report Post » thepatriotdave  
    • The10thAmendment
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 9:54pm

      Longshoremen = pink panty wearing cowards.

      Report Post » The10thAmendment  
    • joe3
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 9:59pm

      when you take hostages, you are a terrorist. when you take hostages that is kidnapping. when you take hostages your brains need to be splattered all over the other hostage takers. it is time the police do their jobs when it comes to these union terrorists. start offing them when they pull this junk, and by any means necessary disband the terrorist organization that organized this.

      Report Post »  
    • Berealalready
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 10:34pm

      I did not read all the comments yet, but isn’t anyone totally blown away by the complete disconnect between the written article (skimmed from AP I believe) and the two minute video? The MSM news report totally ignores vandalism, property damage, kidnapping, etc!? WTF? So if goons the MSM is sympathetic to commit serious multiple violent felonies they will just IGNORE it? That is quite possibly more chilling than the behavior of the goons themselves.

      Report Post »  
    • the hawk
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 10:35pm

      If that Sheriff or anyone else grabbed me by the throat like that I’d be putting their eyes out ! !
      Jusy say’in THAT IS ASSULT ! I’VE SEEN 4-5 VEDIEOS WITH COPS DOING THAT THEY BETTER STOP ! ! ! !………..cCONSIDERED YOURSELF WARNED ! ! ! ! hIT ME IN THE HEAD OR SOMETHING……. dONT TOUCH MY NECK ! ! ! !

      Report Post »  
    • Bluefish49
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 11:06pm

      In “Big O’s” speach tonight he actually said that Big Business and Big Labor are ready to support his new jobs bill…..bend over and get ready folks….he’s not even going to give the middle class the courtesy of a reach around.

      Report Post »  
    • stormcrow53
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 11:33pm

      Once again illustrating why union folk are becoming the most despised people in the nation. Thugs and cowards. Just like that Verizon creep putting his daughter in the path of an oncoming truck. No human dad would ever do that. Only a Union creep. Shame on you all, you cowards. You have no honor. You are the sickness destroying this great Nation. Shame on you all, cowards. You will go down in history as they most miserable and self serving useful idiots ever spawned in human history.
      Five hundred against six. What foul, despicable plantation slaves. Go back to your masters, slaves, for that is all that you are good for. Boot licking, craven, misanthropic criminals is all you are and ever will be. You sicken me.

      Report Post » stormcrow53  
    • sweathog1948
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 12:19am

      My father in law who is now deceased,was a union carpenter in St.Louis. I heard many storys of scabs crossing the picket line and getting beaten up. He also said that the teamsters, police, and long shore all belonged to the same union. Whether or not it is like that today I don’t know.

      This was back in the 70′s and he talked about how corupt the Unions were then. One thing he said was one did not cross a picket line if they wanted to live.

      Report Post »  
    • Mil Mom
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 12:47am

      godlovinmom
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:05pm
      The whole time I’m reading this story, the words of Mr. Hoffa are “shooting” through my mind, “take them SOB’s down”, apparently they are just following orders. When gangs, mobs, rioters get out of hand, we arrest them, why not the union?
      ***
      Because in cities like Seattle, all the politicians that run the place are Libs, the unions pay for their campaigns with their dues.
      May make a few arrests, but most of the charges are dropped!

      Report Post » Mil Mom  
    • Mil Mom
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 12:56am

      @Arborist
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 9:12pm
      The problem is the Law is never held accountable by the law. Nor are most government employees and or corporate heads who have brought the country to its knees. We have arrived at a turning point in the country’s history and the more we promote the crushing of labor the longer it will take to recover
      ***
      Must be some pretty good weed there my friend. Did I hear POTUS give you credit for writing his speech tonight?

      Report Post » Mil Mom  
    • Mil Mom
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 1:05am

      @the hawk
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 10:35pm
      If that Sheriff or anyone else grabbed me by the throat like that I’d be putting their eyes out ! !
      Jusy say’in THAT IS ASSULT ! I’VE SEEN 4-5 VEDIEOS WITH COPS DOING THAT THEY BETTER STOP ! ! ! !………..cCONSIDERED YOURSELF WARNED ! ! ! ! hIT ME IN THE HEAD OR SOMETHING……. dONT TOUCH MY NECK ! ! ! !
      ****
      Take another close look at the picture, the watch underscores the placement of the BACK OF THE HAND near but not on the neck, The thumb is pointing toward the shoulder, with NO fingers near the neck, the hand is actually closer to the shoulder as though he is trying to push him away! Were it the right hand instead of the left, it might be on the throat, clearly it’s the left hand!!! STOP AND LOOK IT OVER!

      Report Post » Mil Mom  
    • Jaycen
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 1:23am

      I sent a note to the Governor of Washington:
      Governor,

      When will you call out the National Guard to dea with the domest terrorists in your state, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union.

      In case you aren’t aware, here’s what going on in your state, ma’am: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/unionized-longshoreman-revolt-guards-held-hostage-reports-of-strike/

      You have a chance to stop something before it becomes a “Union Spring”.

      Report Post » Jaycen  
    • the hawk
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 4:58am

      MILLmom,
      Thats still to close for me ! his open hand could be placed on the guys chest?
      Dont touch my throught ,thats close to a death grab ! ASSUALT ! ! ! ! LIKE i SAID I ;ve seen this before its obviously a move they’ve been tought They Better Unteach it ! ! !………………………………….
      First Cop puts his hands on MY throat, they better beat me like Rodney King ! Cause I’m hurting that guy BAD ! ! self defense……Theres Cops Killing people all over this country ! ! ! ! ! ! That Standing army Thing Jefferson warned us about ! ! ! !

      Report Post »  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 8:13am

      If guard were held hostage charges must be filed for abduction and felony inprisonmemt.

      Report Post »  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 8:15am

      The train shouldn’t stop and anyone without the sense to get out of the way …well bake a pie eat a pie

      Report Post »  
    • Ruler4You
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 8:47am

      Gee. If this doesn’t make your heart bleed for the unions, I guess nothing will, eh?

      Report Post » Ruler4You  
    • SgtB
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 10:11am

      Why did the train stop? It is a freaking train! Reminds me of that scene in hitchiker’s guide to the galaxy,

      Foreman “Do you have any idea the amount of damage it would do to that steam roller if I let it run over you?”
      Arthur “How much?”
      Foreman “None at all.”

      Anyone stupid enough to think they can stop a locomotive at any speed while only carrying a home built sign is a moron and probably deserves what they get. Much like the idiot in India threatening to kill himself on top of a train. In case you haven’t seen it, it is pretty hilarious. Anyway, he has just started to relax and talk to police when he reaches up and grabs the trains high voltage power cable, not unlike the third rail of a subway track.

      Report Post » SgtB  
    • Gabriel Faulk
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 11:45am

      I just hope that we conservative and republicans do not loose our heads and drop to their level of politics.

      Report Post »  
    • Viet Vet
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 1:59pm

      Two blast of the Whistle then run the slimey ba star ds down!!!

      Report Post »  
    • pavepaws
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 5:07pm

      Unions fighting among themselves? Good.

      Report Post »  
    • FIREDUDE
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 7:35pm

      Just RUN EVERYONE OF THEM OVER!!!!!!!!

      Stop putting up with this and start firing back!!!!!!!!!

      F the unions and the THUGS that belong to them

      Report Post »  
    • truthtocome
      Posted on September 10, 2011 at 12:06pm

      while all these arguments here are legitimate, without question – does anyone see the added twist in this story that is unreported and only spoken of by the union guy interviewed? this company is a corporation consisting of a U.S. company, Japanese company, and Korean company – they walked away from a year and a half of talks, want to kick this American union to the curb and bring in a foreign union. these guys were thugs and took their protest way too far, for sure! but as a patriot, i, for one, am outraged,also, that this company would have the nerve to bring in a FOREIGN union! to me, that is just as big of a story, if not bigger! a house divided against itself, will fall – media attempt to get us all riled up against this union allows an oversight of the fact that these jobs would now be going to foreigners on AMERICAN SOIL! THIS IS HUGE! anyone agree? if i am alone on this, what am i missing?

      Report Post »  
    • mommer9
      Posted on September 11, 2011 at 3:24pm

      To EJBONK: The reason the unions are never punished is because our government had a law passed saying they are allowed to do what ever and they can not be arrested. (The wording mine, but can’t quote the actual law) That law should be done away with and written off the books. They should be held accountable the same as anyone else would be if they did the same things. Actually I think unions per say should be done away with. They were good in their day when they first started, but now they think they can charge as much as they want and the employees pay or find another job. They are full of greed, anger, controllers, and in my opinion demonized!

      Report Post » mommer9  
  • mbean
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:36pm

    Nice to see some of The One’s civility at work.

    Report Post » mbean  
    • Countrygirl1362
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 5:49pm

      Just what Obama and Hoffa want to see happen. Sad that grown people set such examples for the youth.

      Report Post »  
    • NHwinter
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:18pm

      And they have the nerve to call the Tea Party terrorists. Trumka will be sitting next to VP at Oblahbah’s speech tonight. This President has been bought by the unions and muslims. He has got to GO. He is NOT the president of the people. He could care less about the majority of us.

      Report Post » NHwinter  
    • joe3
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 10:04pm

      take me hostage and i will use anything including my bare hands to ki11 every last one of you kidnapers. i do not care if you are a union thug, a bank robber, an islamic radical, you attempt to take my freedom even for a second and you better have a badge, if not I will end you and everyone else you brought to help. if death becomes part of this equation these union terrorist kidnapers will stop this fast. i may meet the maker, but I will get mine.

      Report Post »  
    • Ivy
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 10:52pm

      During the Verizon strike…they brought their children to the picket lines…oh yea, nice example for their children. Shouldn’t Child Protective Services look into that?

      Report Post »  
    • schmite123oh
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 9:51am

      throw the protesters in jail, you can do it better than this(non-violent), when you use violence you break the law. Another beef i have with Unions, this time the private sector.

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 11:33am

      Where is the outrage from the MSM? .. if these were conservatives this would be on air 24/7 and the FBI would be taking out these KIDNAPPERS! And they would be DEMANDING their HEADS!

      TEA!

      Report Post »  
  • hauschild
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:35pm

    Losers.

    Typical leftists – smash and destruct when you don’t get your way.

    How anybody would ever swing left is really beyond comprehension.

    Report Post »  
    • Melvin Spittle
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:49pm

      Where the hell is the national guard? There is not enough local law enforcement to handle this. I get the feeling that authorities silently support the union as they ALL have a conflict of interest in that they are ALL union employees and that is why the National Guard MUST be deployed to stop the violence.

      Report Post » Melvin Spittle  
    • mdlwoods
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 5:40pm

      National Guard won’t be deployed! Are you kidding? To quell the uprising would totally go against the “O’s” agenda! I hope the Repubs are taking names and keeping track and when a new administration comes in they actually do proceed with charges against the worst of these evil union leaders and thugs. Then, I sure hope they refile charges of voter intimidation against the NBPs that Holder refuses to prosecute!

      Report Post » mdlwoods  
    • loriann12
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 5:49pm

      Well, how dare they use a different union. Unions are like Muslims, if they can’t fight non-union workers, they’ll fight because of each other. Can you imagine how bad it would have been had the company hired non-union “scabs?”

      Report Post »  
    • RabidPatriot
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 5:58pm

      In the State of Washington, law enforcement is prohibited by law to strike, actively, passively or otherwise. Participating in or even attempting to organize a strike is cause for immediate termination. Because of this, the thuggish, organizing, protesting elements of unions are not really part of the law enforcement culture in Washington. There are individual officers with this attitude but it’s not prevalent. Officers would be angry with these mobs because of all the paperwork these idiots would generate and the potential for life threatening situations. Anarchists and left-wing loud mouthed idiots have never been a law enforcement favorite.

      Report Post » RabidPatriot  
    • MHP
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:33pm

      mdlwoods

      National Guard has been deployed at the port while the unions are on strike, and the unions have no choice but to let them in.
      I’ve seen this happen many many times.

      Gov. Gary Locke had the power to deploy them.
      This union is costing the port 3 million dollars per day, when ships don’t get unloaded.

      Report Post » MHP  
    • MHP
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:39pm

      RabidPatriot

      It’s illegal for any public employee to strike in Washington State, this includes port employees.
      And in particular, public teachers
      Working at the port was the best security job I ever had besides the shipyards, including ship fires which are quite dangerous.

      Report Post » MHP  
    • Iraq03USMC
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 12:52am

      @melvinspittle No we don‘t ’silently support the union’. They are criminals and lawless. So don’ paint us with a broad brush. Some of us know they are communists and are using Alinski tactics. Wasn‘t in Cleone Skousen’s book-The Naked Communist that one of the goals was to infiltrate and take over the unions?

      Report Post »  
    • Mil Mom
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 1:14am

      @Melvin Spittle
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:49pm
      Where the hell is the national guard? There is not enough local law enforcement to handle this. I get the feeling that authorities silently support the union as they ALL have a conflict of interest in that they are ALL union employees and that is why the National Guard MUST be deployed to stop the violence
      ***
      Lib Gov.-It took Seattle 8 months to hand her the election via fraud! The Governor must call out the National Guard!!! NEXT QUESTION?

      Report Post » Mil Mom  
  • georgeisn6
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:35pm

    The Communists have declared war on the american people, wake up folks it is comming to your naborhood.

    Report Post »  
    • MrButcher
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:56pm

      no its not.

      Unions are dying old relics from the past. This election is their last stand.

      Any ugliness they cause will be to their own detriment in the eyes of voters (the vast majority of which are non-union.)

      “Longshoremen”? What an antiquated expression for a profession that is just about dead. Your local Elks lodge has more members than there are longshoreman in the entire country. Teamster too. Most young people don’t even know what a teamster is much less that they drive trucks.

      Let these brutish thugs show their true colors.

      Unionism in America is dying. Give it space to do so…

      Cheers.

      Report Post » MrButcher  
    • shirelover
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 5:49pm

      Mr. Butcher – I do not believe the longshoremen are on the way out, we need them to work the docks. True, the hard work of decades past are over with heavy machenery today. The teamsters on the other hand, no big truck can go anywhere without one! My husband had to join the teamsters union just to work loading trucks. He says they are stupid and agree with much of the idiots in the news now, however! He also said that there are new people in the union making changes in how they talk to the company. BTW, we have big horses (shires) and so we KNOW what the background of the teamsters union is. There is nothing more awesome than watching a real teamster drive 8 Shires or Clydesdales (like the Budwieser Clydes)

      Report Post » shirelover  
    • loriann12
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 6:58am

      My husband got a look into the Teamsters yesterday. A guy came to his place of employment. First he b!tched because no one swept his truck out, it looked like cr@p (husband said he should have swept it out himself). Second, it was time for my husband’s lunch break to be over, so he said he was going back to work. They typically run to a fast food place for lunch. The teamster commented about the company taking him out to lunch. He laughed and said no. The Teamster said the company should take him out to lunch because he works for it. That shows where union dues go….to take employees to lunch to butter them up. Union people are primadona’s, they get everything done for them. They pay someone just to sweep out trucks? They take their people to lunch? Pffffft.

      Report Post »  
    • FNG
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 2:32pm

      Take a deep breath, put down that shotgun you’re cradling, take a sip of the bottled water you’re hoarding, and realize you’re prepared – whatever happens. Then get on with your daily life. Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s not like the unionistas are outside YOUR front door.

      “I’m ready… are you?”

      Report Post » FNG  
  • DivineMomentsOfTruth
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:35pm

    Obama’s civilian force?

    Report Post » DivineMomentsOfTruth  
    • ZZBlueComet
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 5:56pm

      Exactly, that and the TSA. I remember in the campaign his talk of this. Union workers have a right to strike but not hold up a business – the train should‘ve flattened the Union worker and I guarantee the rest of them wouldn’t have gotten on the tracks.

      Unions protect the lazy and slackers more than they help good workers and businesses.

      Report Post » ZZBlueComet  
    • bachstar
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:26pm

      The engineer operating the train is in a federal union, railroad workers, he is not going to run over an employee of another union.

      Report Post » bachstar  
    • Seamus236
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 12:23pm

      Hitler had his Brown Shirts, Gestapo and Obama has the TSA, Union punks and the ATF. These union thugs just need to be shot down like the anarchists they have so willingly become, thanks to Trelmka, Obama and Holder the puppet-masters for the union bleating sheep.

      Report Post »  
  • geonj
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:34pm

    why has no one been arrested? aren’t they guilty of kidnapping and illegal restraint? not to mention the vandalism.

    Report Post » geonj  
    • MHP
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:28pm

      I’m hopin the Coasties will do something of it.

      Report Post » MHP  
  • SamIamTwo
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:34pm

    Longshoremen are paid very good…I know a few and they live high on the hog. You can only get a job there if you are related to one of them…book em danno!

    Report Post » SamIamTwo  
    • hidden_lion
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:39pm

      “nobody has been arrested”

      They smasked windows, broke down gates, cut brake lines, and held hostages, but nobody was arrested?

      Report Post » hidden_lion  
    • SamIamTwo
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:44pm

      Yeah, this is WA State we are talking about…the company would not want to stir the pot.

      The union owns WA State.

      Report Post » SamIamTwo  
    • MHP
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:25pm

      Yea they make about 80K per year, and they don’t even put in 40 hrs a week, cause ships only come in once every week or so. but they usually do a turnaround within 24 hrs.

      One more thing, US Coast Guard makes all the rules for the ports in the USA, so anything we do (including the longshore unions) has to go thru the Coasties. Coasties can walk on to any port property on demand.
      I used to work with them, especially during 9/11/2001, also US Customs, and Port cops
      I’ve seen the Coasties actually run the longshore right off site.

      Report Post » MHP  
  • cookcountypatriot
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:34pm

    we the people will be the only ones to break the unons…and break they shall…they have ruined this country…when they start thier war…strike hard ,strike fast and ask questions later..

    Report Post » cookcountypatriot  
  • HKS
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:33pm

    Well, I think the union leaders (including the AFLCIO) are the ones that said we are a global family now, well be one. Your brothers elsewhere work as hard as you do for two dollars an hour, why do you deserve more, or is the union the one that all wet and they want to use you and your family as mules to advance their own goals. Can’t have it both ways, You decide.

    Report Post » HKS  
  • I.Gaspar
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:33pm

    Shoot them.

    Report Post »  
    • COFemale
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 5:33pm

      Naw, that would be too easy… We need to make them squirm and lick the red off their candy!

      Report Post » COFemale  
  • Walkabout
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:33pm

    The military can unload the cargo until we find new workers.

    The FBI can use wiretaps & surveillance to round up the bomb throwers, murderers & arsonists.

    Report Post »  
    • hidden_lion
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:41pm

      It won’t take long to find new workers….14 million unemployed in this country…I think that is plenty to do the work

      Report Post » hidden_lion  
    • Mil-Dot
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 5:28pm

      The FBI-HA! Don’t make me laugh. They are a political goon squad agency that pretty much does the dirty work of the admin against it’s enemies. They don’t enforce rackettering laws when there is a Dem prog commie in the WH. So don’t hold your breath there guy.

      Report Post »  
    • This_Individual
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 5:44pm

      I know a few people who would love to have their job, without the benefits!

      Report Post »  
    • ProbIemSoIver
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 10:52pm

      @hidden lion

      About 12-20 million Illegals.
      There’s your 14 million jobs right there.

      Report Post » ProbIemSoIver  
  • Walkabout
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:30pm

    The longshoreman hated containerization. It cut down on their thieving.

    Report Post »  
  • cessna152
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:28pm

    The “thuggery” has started and will escalate quickly. I hate to say it, but the concerned citizen will be the ONLY ones to take back this country. People are awake, alert and prepared. Read the “Declaration of Independence”… it is very clear what is coming.

    Report Post » cessna152  
    • vennoye
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 5:30pm

      STAY out of their way and let them take on each other!

      Report Post » vennoye  
  • sb36695
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:27pm

    Do something about those d@mn tea party people!

    Report Post »  
    • Dinkiecb
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:42pm

      yeah them taxpayers…oh i mean teaparty criminals…you know how the TAXPAYERS hate high taxs..oh i mean teaparty

      Report Post »  
  • dsm
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:27pm

    Union thugs acting with the full supoort of Barack Obama.

    Report Post »  
  • eat-more-bacon-USA
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:24pm

    Enemy-obama’s anti-America, unionist foot soldiers are extremely loyal to him, and quick to respond when he blows his dog whistle.

    Report Post » eat-more-bacon-USA  
    • Seamus236
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 12:30pm

      Add to the Solyndra FBI Raid yesterday, where Herr Kaiser one of the owners of Solyndra “organized’ a huge bundling of Obama fund-raising dollars and orchestrated the half a BILLION dollar Federally guaranteed loan to Solyndra. Of course it’s all a “coincidence”, just like all the other hundreds of Obama thug coincidences. Obama’s hacks and boot-licking lackies, love to call out the nebulous ‘Tea Party”, yet the Obamanazis are the ones who are so consistent in their blatant public corruption, looting the US and state treasuries, throwing billions of tax payer dollars to their “friends” in financial institutions, ah, have to love the Democratic Party-Party of Hope, Change and Corruption through and through. Their actions speak far louder than their hysterical rhetoric. You ca tell a LOT about the character of a man, by whom he surrounds himself with, for example, look at who is always “around” Obama, union thugs, financial shysters, corrupt politicians that whore themselves out to any bidder, domestic terrorists, Maoists, Marxists, just to name the most prevalent few. At least he’s consistent in who his friends are.

      Report Post »  
  • Rayblue
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:23pm

    My uncle on my mothers side was murdered in 1950 by union members.
    You would not appreciate the details.
    Arson and murder were what the unions used to intimidate citizens and companies back then.
    And now, we’re coming full circle.

    Report Post » Rayblue  
    • RepubliCorp
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 5:11pm

      I had family that were union bosses in the 50s-60s-70′s. The unions are nothing more than organized crime. (at the top) The membership are just useful tools.They couldn’t care less about the “Little Guy”

      Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • BloodSweatandTears
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:29pm

      @RAYBLUE, So sorry for your loss. My husbands dad, got out when he saw the “leaders,” packing…
      Look to Illinois for how far it’s gone down…until tonight and the cheeky grin on Trumpka face I didn‘t realize he’s the one running the show….All those union dues add up to a lot of power, and Oblama
      knows, “who’s his daddy…” Atlas Shrugged has it all laid out. Watching the news is like reading the book. Now I can see how they will cause the chaos..Cut the food chain of course…Oblama has been the Trojan Horse. Stock up now and there will less of a way to intimidate us. And pray.

      Report Post »  
  • MODEL82A1
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:21pm

    Sickening that the REAL victim in this story, EGT Development, is mentioned only in passing.

    Report Post » MODEL82A1  
    • MHP
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:16pm

      Model

      Glad I ain‘t still workin’ at the Port, I probably would have been grabbed as a hostage.
      BTW all the port guards are unionized by contract with the port.

      So why they took us, I’ll never figure ougt.

      Report Post » MHP  
    • Iraq03USMC
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 12:37am

      @MHP the port security are also ILWU members. You’re right. They were informing on the cops and yucking it up with their ILWU homies at EGT’s main gate in the early stages. EGT’s Security is privately contracted and not armed.

      Report Post »  
    • loriann12
      Posted on September 11, 2011 at 11:38am

      That‘s because if they can’t fight non-union workers, they’ll fight opposing unions. It‘s like the Muslims who kill Muslims they don’t see as strict as they themselves are. They aren’t for every union, it’s like a highschool rivalry, they’re only for THEIR union.

      Report Post »  
  • nannyatnannydotgov
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:21pm

    No one arrested? Why? Is this what’s coming to those of us who obey the law? Join the Union and you can break the law? One day, WE may have to take the law into our own hands to arrest the law breakers and their accomplices (police & politicians).

    Report Post » nannyatnannydotgov  
  • ProbIemSoIver
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:19pm

    Sorry clowns. No more money. Do the job for less, or I will.

    Report Post » ProbIemSoIver  
    • ProbIemSoIver
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:23pm

      These guys don’t any work harder than a lot of other people that work a 40-50 hour week making $10-15 an hour. Non-Union Mechanics, Roofers, Construction, Plumbers, Painters, etc.
      Tough Crap for you !!!!

      Report Post » ProbIemSoIver  
    • MODEL82A1
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:25pm

      Peculiar that a seemingly unemployed, NWO, Global-Elite Conspiracy Nut, thinks he has the ability to control other people’s money. On second thought, it makes perfect sense.

      Report Post » MODEL82A1  
    • ProbIemSoIver
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 5:03pm

      I don’t see any “conspiracy nuts”. If you were referring to me, I am simply open minded and well informed. These clowns are displaying their true nature. They should spend about 2 years behind bars working 40 hours a week to finance their candy bar, cigarette and soap bar habits !!!
      They are spoiled punks that have been overpaid much too long !!!!
      Speaking of punks, don’t bug me again. I don’t feel like typing in a 1500 page retort, edifying you and expounding on the details of your ignorance !!!!

      Report Post » ProbIemSoIver  
  • palerider54
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:18pm

    Well it will be interesting to see how the proglibs who support illegal immigration and no enforcement of current laws deal with organized labor unions who say only their members have the right to work at a certain company.
    The Democratic Party desperately need the unions support to exist, almost as much as they need the Hispanic vote

    Can’t have it both ways boys. Yes interesting indeed.

    Report Post »  
  • Rickfromillinois
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:18pm

    Union thugs acting like thugs. Why is anyone surprised. We all know what they are.

    Report Post » Rickfromillinois  
  • Locked
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:17pm

    “Damaged railroad cars. Smashed windows. Dumped grain. Delayed trains. Guards held hostage. This was the scene at the center of a labor dispute in Washington state Thursday involving hundreds of Longshoremen and a company that is using labor from outside the union.”

    “Damaged ships. Smashed cargo. Dumped tea. Delayed voyages. Citizens held in fear.”
    Welcome to a repeat of the Boston Tea Party. I’m only partly joking; instead of “patriots” these are “union thugs” and instead of arguing about representation in government, the issue is the loss of American jobs.

    And just FYI, a federal restraining order was issued last week against the union, so yes, the Obama administration is against their actions.

    Please continue with your anger.

    Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:23pm

      Your union “heroes” are large part of the reason we are losing American jobs.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • let us prey
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:30pm

      obumbler admin is against it? Restraining order? lol
      A court hearing was scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday in Tacoma, in which a judge is expected to consider alleged violations by the union of a previous restraining order.
      A waste of time and nothing will be done to these thugs.
      The only thing the obumbler admin is against is the country.

      Report Post » let us prey  
    • fertlmind
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:30pm

      Six guards were held hostage for a few hours.

      No one was hurt, and nobody has been arrested

      It’s time to call up the national guard to restore order, protect the community, and MACHINE GUN a few of those damned UNION THUGS.

      This is the war the dems want. The unions are not strong,…but they are loud and violent.
      We should crush them like bugs, jail them, and open up their jobs to the unemployed.

      Organised labor is organised crime. Just look at Hoffa and Trumka.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Report Post » fertlmind  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:35pm

      A restraining order enforced with a wet spaghetti noodle?

      An order is ultimately nothing against a disagreeing party willing to use unlawful force unless the order is backed up with force itself if needed.

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:36pm

      Not my heroes Gonzo; I don’t like unions in general. I also don’t think they should be outlawed; not allowing workers to demand better rights is a restriction of freedom and leads to disturbing results (I’m not a fan of 18 hour days and deadly conditions, are you?).

      I think these workers need a dose of reality and some jail time for any crimes they commit. But I also think they have legitimate grievances; union workers are usually middle class Americans, and union busting takes their jobs and makes them low class, minimum wage positions. It’s a major problem, and a perfect example of why the middle class in the US is disappearing.

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:36pm

      Federal Restraining Order is to be enforced by Limp Bizkit

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:37pm

      We shouldn’t outlaw unions.

      We just don’t need these unions.

      Report Post »  
    • BrokenHearted
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:40pm

      LOCKED, it sounds as if you are a union member yourself, if so then, open your mind and see how the unions are killing this country, high cost of goods and bad product. And yes, I was in a union for many years, they did nothing for me, except take my money. Grow up unionized people and stand on your own 2 feet, earn your pay based upon your abilities, not the the backs of the rest of this country. The times for unions is over, these times are apparently survival of the fittest(strong back and mind, not lazy and stupid), let the games begin…

      Report Post » BrokenHearted  
    • Locked
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:42pm

      @Fertl

      “It’s time to call up the national guard to restore order, protect the community, and MACHINE GUN a few of those damned UNION THUGS.”

      I’m sure you would have been among the folks wishing to execute Samuel Adams and the Sons of Liberty in 1773 too. Your thirst for blood shows an example of what’s wrong with the country.

      Report Post »  
    • SamIamTwo
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:42pm

      The only anger we see is caused by the unions. They force companies to relocate, contract out…Unions have outlived their useful purpose. It’s over, done. We’ve lost more jobs due to the unions…those that join have got to be thinking about jumping out, but they can’t, they have to be in the union to be able to work…WA State sucketh.

      Report Post » SamIamTwo  
    • Locked
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:45pm

      @Broken
      “LOCKED, it sounds as if you are a union member yourself, if so then, open your mind and see how the unions are killing this country, high cost of goods…”

      Nope. I already said, I don’t care for unions in general, but I can see their use. I think these people should be charged for their crimes (and not machine gunned down like some posters have said), but it’s ignorant to claim they have no legitimate grievances. And the parallels with the Boston Tea Party are waaaay too easy to make.

      Report Post »  
    • ddg7
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 5:03pm

      No one was arrested? That’s like saying, ‘Move along, nothing to see here’. It should be no surprise that is why people are arming themselves? When they can‘t count on law enforcement to protect them then they’ll protect themselves. What‘s the next number in the ’Death Wish’ movie sequels?

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 5:26pm

      @LOCKED

      You must be getting real sore from sitting on top of that fence for so long.

      You are hands down the best at taking both sides of an issue. Or at least pretending to take both sides.

      Your are still as transparent as ever, and your schtick grows tiresome.

      Try to post sometime without using the word “BUT”

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • Iraq03USMC
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 12:22am

      Dude you’re drinking the koolaide. They have not lost jobs. They’re trying to monopolize the port facility and EGT is a private company who can hire whom the wish. They’re still working. They get to come to work and load log ship and other ships. They have no contract with EGT and are not renegotiating an expired contract. And this 18 hr day and minimum wage drivel. Really? That’s not gonna happen. They already make $99k+ base wage. 100% benefits and work 4-6 hrs a day and get paid for it with the other 2 hrs at OT wage. Look at the Maritime Shipping Assn website. They track the stats.

      Report Post »  
  • TexPat
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:14pm

    Just the beginning, just the beginning folks. And who has their back? How about the WH and DOJ.

    Report Post »  
    • drago
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:29pm

      Maybe so Texpat, but ive got your back ;p

      Report Post »  
    • Bill Rowland
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 7:24am

      Texpat you are so right – so it begins – DOJ and Obumbler want to see it spread to other cities. This and the race riots being encouraged by Christina Waters,Fredrica Wilson and their side of the CBC,
      This is the start of Obumblers plan to declare Martial Law. The unions and the CBC renegades will help all they can.

      Psalm 109:8

      Report Post »  
  • truthseekerusa
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:14pm

    Is anyone surprised by the action of these thugs? Will your area be the next that is attacked?

    Report Post »  
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