Labor's spatial praxis and the geography of contract bargaining in the US east coast longshore industry, 1953–1989

摘要: Abstract This paper examines the production of new geographical scales contract bargaining in United States east coast longshore industry during post-Second World War period. In particular, it analyses how International Longshoremen's Association, which represents waterfront workers, forged a national response to political challenges by rival union and economic brought about introduction labor-saving technologies such as containerization. As means equalize working conditions ports from Maine Texas used strikes, work slowdowns, legal action, pressure cargo-handling boycotts force reluctant employers 1957 agree master covering North Atlantic ports. Upon completion negotiations Atlantic, terms this were also usually adopted South Gulf regions. The implementation represented significant change system port-by-port had traditionally dominated labor relations industry. response, subsequently felt compelled restructure their own organization so that 1970s number regional employer groups formed throughout negotiate for several at once. Following its success securing contract, 1977 negotiated agreement items related job security. However, 1980s increasing costs union's contracts encouraged many West turn cheaper non-union point where, 1986, 11 locals region broke with offered concessions preserve members. schism poses threat efforts continue ensuring all dockers enjoy same basic contractual rights. shows struggles over scale takes place have been fundamental development industry's geography. Furthermore, fact an explicitly loss raises questions workers' activities are theorized explanations geography capitalism.