Mechanization and Modernization Agreement 1960

There were some new technologies that were introduced in order to aid in the movement of shipments, such as rope slings, dollys, forklifts, and even cranes that helped longshoremen take large loads off of ships.

[2] After World War II, the demand for a more efficient way of loading and unloading cargo brought new technology to ports that would require less workers to move shipments.

Employers would be able to introduce new technology and device that would improve the ports productivity, efficiency, and reduce the number of labor forces needed.

In July 1971, 12,000 longshoremen walked out on California ports; however, it was deemed a failure since the strike failed to achieve significant economic harm to employers.

[5] Since the Mechanization and Modernization Agreement, the ILWU had attempted to bring other unorganized, nonunion waterfront occupations into the union as a means to counteract new technology at ports.