>I don't work for the friggin company.
I have, for 10 years.
>so far on this thead, we are supposed to believe that the company that has the contract
>to operate the ports
First mistake. These Operational contracts for Port Operator only apply to ONE terminal, (singular)
>can't hire and fire anyone
Hiring and firing is under the control of the labor agreement between the ILA and USMX
> can install their own managers
yes, obviously
> can't select subcontractors
These are UNION ports.. there's no subcontracting... subcontractor for what? To move the container 30feet to another stack?
> has all their responsibilities for scheduling
No, the Port Operator doesn't schedule the vessels. the Shipping Lines do. The Shipping Lines coordinate the schedules and then the Port Operator is to manage the Union Labor so that the Vessels are worked effieciently.
> et al done by some else.
Exactly.
I guess I dont blame you for not knowing this... but in the world of the shipping there so many interested parties and companies and agencies that a "lay person" would think someone was joking (as perhaps some feel I am) when explaining that the Port Operator is just one of tens of controlling parties and thier control does not extend to national security.
They are strictly to manage the Union labor and keep the vessels moving. Customs and the Ocean Lines are responsible for workign with the Consignees to get the cargo cleared for release so that it can leave the port.
> so tell me, what can they do?
You should search my Username and read the multitude of posts I made on this thread in case you haven't seen them.
every job is unionized? how about management of the information systems and computers used to operate elements of the port. or are you going to tell me its done with union workers on an abacus.
we don't need a UAE company operating US ports, why take a chance. why should we bother have to construct oversight for all of the things you claim they cannot do, to make sure they aren't doing them.