A federal judge fined a Longshore union $250,000 Friday for tactics in a Longview labor dispute, and he warned that protesters could face their own fines in the future.
U.S. District Judge Ronald Leighton has already held the International Longshore and Warehouse Union in contempt for blocking a train and storming a grain terminal earlier this month. “What’s going on out there is awful,” Leighton said. “We have to do something about it, and I’m going to do something.”
The National Labor Relations Board had asked the court to fine the union more than $290,000 to cover the damages and expenses, such as overtime for law enforcement agencies. Leighton said he rounded down to be cautious and ordered additional penalties for future violations, including $25,000 for the union, $5,000 for officers and $2,500 for individuals.
The union plans to appeal.
Associated Press
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
