Press Contact Barbara Yeninas (973) 2268580 or Uwe Schulz (215) 4262510
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 12 NOON, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18. 1997
PORTS OF THE DELAWARE RIVER ANNOUNCE 10 PERCENT RISE IN "MAN HOURS" ON THE WATERFRONT
PHILADELPHIA. PA., November 18, 1997For the first time in a
decade, the Ports of the Delaware River Philadelphia, Camden, and
Wilmington, DE, are reporting a significant growth in man hours worked
- a measurement of increased international cargo flows through the
areaand in projected cargo figures.
At a press conference here today at the Down Town Club, the Philadelphia Marine Trade Association, which represents all International Longshoremen's Association employers on the Delaware River, released figures covering the first year of the five year customerfriendly contract. "We have had a nearly 10 percent increase to 1.35 million hours worked, reversing significantly a downward trend over the last 10 years," said Uwe Schulz, PMTA President. The period involved is from October 1, 1996 to September 30, 1997.
Added Mr. Schulz: "We anticipate even greater growth in incremental business in the upcoming years with new ocean carriers making commitments to serve our port area with new services. This kind of increased business brings inherent benefits to our longshoremen, our economy, our businesses and our communities."
Crediting the innovative fiveyear labor contract and the efforts of the PMTA in implementing an aggressive marketing and promotion campaign, with the cooperation of leaders at every port involved, Mr. Schulz said:
"There was a conscious and dedicated effort by the PMTA and our counterparts at the ILA to make a concerted effort to achieve a fair and equitable contract for both sides. It was the most educated and informed round of negotiations in years and the result is the most costeffective, competitive ILA contract on the Atlantic Coast."
Announcements by Grupo Libra of Brazil, Navieras/ NPR Inc., Transroll, TNX, and Compagnie Generale Maritime to add Philadelphia to their port itineraries are the result, he said, of "reducing costs, changing work rules, and showcasing our area as a viable gateway offering superb rail and road facilities, stateofthe-art ports, and a historic and logistically superior location between the U. S. and Canada and the rest of the world."
Grupo Libra commences weekly sailings to the East Coast of South America, calling Philadelphia for the first time this week. Navieras will ply the Puerto Rico trade commencing Friday, and with Transroll, has formed TNX which joins Grupo Libra's service. French Line's CGM adds Philadelphia to its roundtheworld services beginning the first week in December.
With a negotiated contract that allows for anywhere between 14 and 19 starting times per day, inclement weather work, and many other work rule modifications maritime entities are reexamining Delaware River ports as a viable alternative or addition to other services. "Labor leaders agreed to this highly competitive package which is in force until October 2001. The success we are announcing today can be largely attributed to the ILA commitment to keep the Delaware River ports strong and to attract new business here as well and is second to none on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts." Equally good news came from Paul De Mariano, President of the Port of Philadelphia and Camden. Mr. De Mariano, in reporting cargo statistics for 1997 as of August 31, announced total tonnage increases of 22 percent. This includes breakbulk cargoes up 48 percent; steel shipments, 101 percent; fruit up 13 per cent, largely attributed to expanded Chilean fruit and banana business; wood products up 51 percent; container lifts through Ameriport increased by 41 percent, and a two percent decrease in bulk products.
"The area's many businesses and diverse labor arrangements are partners in keeping the port region busy and increasing the cargo volume that moves across our docks. There are few-if any ports in North America and perhaps the world that are reporting high doubledigit growth. We are very proud of these accomplishments," he said.
Adam Mc Bride, Executive Director of Diamond State Port Corp. (Port of Wilmington), also had encouraging news. To date, Wilmington has seen dramatic increases in 1997 cargo statistics as well. Steel increased by 50 percent; forestry products by 47 percent; refrigerated products by 15 percent; and container volume by three percent. Bulk cargo is even with last year. Only automobiles are down because of Volkswagen's temporary departure from the port. "But with their recent return to Wilmington, we anticipate a reversal, said Mr. McBride. "We feel, as we have said, that what benefits our ports will always result in a positive economic impact on the entire region."
ILA Local Vice President James Paylor also welcomed the good news. "We were committed from the start to work with the people of Philadelphia, Camden and Wilmington to keep business and world trade growing here while ensuring a decent livelihood, benefits, and job security for our labor force."