Idle ships don’t add to the scenery | LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Published 11:57 am Monday, December 22, 2014

To the editor:

I am disappointed that the Review has not written an article about the container ships anchored off the south end of Bainbridge Island. These ships are unable to unload their cargo due to a slowdown initiated by dock workers at the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma. The workers’ union ILWU has been unsuccessful in negotiating a six year contract with management, which expired on July 1.

The port slowdown, which began in October is having a devastating effect on our state economy where

40 percent of jobs are linked to trade. Hay and apples from Northwest farms are sitting at the docks unable to be shipped, truck drivers who transport goods back and forth from the docks are getting fewer hauls, and the import economy is dealing with huge delays of merchandise. Unfortunately government officials are unable or unwilling to intervene.

Residents with water views along the southeastern shore of Bainbridge Island are constantly reminded of this slowdown as these container ships sit idle for weeks on end swinging back and forth with the tide, generating noise and lighting up the night sky.

DARDEN BURNS

Bainbridge Island