There’s nothing wrong with dispelling false rumors of a tentative agreement. Both parties met separately Wednesday then met together Thursday, at which time the union looked forward to receiving the PMA’s response to the union’s latest proposals that were submitted after meeting the previous weekend. Support from rank-and-file longshore workers remains strong and united. More than 90 democratically-elected Longshore Caucus delegates who met in San Francisco on Dec. 15-16 unanimously adopted a resolution affirming efforts by the ILWU Negotiating Committee to reach a fair agreement. The port congestion crisis was caused by bad industry decisions that pre-date the slowdown allegations. The key drivers of congestion are industry-based changes in operations and business models, including chassis outsourcing, which have paralyzed ports and made the docks much more dangerous for workers. Despite the longstanding port congestion problems, both sides remain committed to reaching a fair agreement.