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June 20, 2002 9:00 AM, EDT

Shipper groups have asked President Bush to help prevent a work stoppage they say could cripple freight movement at West Coast ports if the longshoreman’s union and terminal operators fail to reach a contract agreement by the July 1 deadline.

The National Industrial Transportation League and the National Retail Federation said they had sent separate letters to the White House out of concern that contract talks between the International Longshore & Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association, which represents terminal operators, are going poorly.

Officials of both shipper groups said if there is a strike or lockout, Bush should order the two sides back to work while negotiations continue.

For the full story, see the June 17 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.

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