Seaports feel the pain

How will West Coast seaports cope with a continuing decline in business? Sources say “furloughs” may be in the offing.

When compiling a list of euphemisms for “layoff,” we might consider furloughs. That’s the word bandied about at several large ocean cargo gateways these days, as workers brace for mandates requiring them cut back on hours and take time off – whether they want to or not.

And while this strategy may succeed with port employees, it’s anyone’s guess how the powerful dockside unions will react to suggestions from leadership of making the same kinds of sacrifice.

For more on the trend of “furloughing,” check out this story in The New York Times.

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