Radar screen.(Brief Article)

Since the mid-1980s, shippers, carriers and terminal operators in East and Gulf Coast ports have become accustomed to labor peace. John Bowers, president of the International Longshoremen's Association, is proud that there hasn't been a coastwide work stoppage since he took over the union in 1987. Bowers says long-term contracts, usually followed by extensions, have helped his members as well as employers. The union's current contract has been extended into 2004. In receiving the Person of the Year award from the New York/New Jersey Foreign Freight Forwarders and Brokers Association, Bowers said an additional extension wouldn't be a bad idea. He said, "I believe we ought to start talking about it right now."

Seeking a long-term plan …