Friday 2 May 2008

US dockers strike over Iraq war

Union officials say about 10,000 longshore workers who handle cargo along the west coast of the United States have stayed away from work in a one-day protest against the war in Iraq.

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union reported that traffic had virtually come to a halt across the region's ports including the largest at Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Oakland, Seattle and other ports along the coast between the Canadian and Mexican borders were also affected.

Union officials say many of the big shipping companies are profiting from the war.

"It's supposed to be quiet," said union spokesman Craig Merrilees. "When people don't go to work the docks are quiet."

Related;

Thousands take part in anti-war protests
Thousands of anti-war protesters have marched in Britain and the United States to mark the fifth anniversary of the start of the war in Iraq

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