Ports seek federal order to force dockworkers to bargaining table

DETROIT, Michigan: With a potential strike looming, East and Gulf Coast ports are urgently seeking federal intervention to bring the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) back to the bargaining table.

The U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents the ports, has filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), accusing the union of refusing to negotiate in good faith.