STATEMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL ASHCROFT
REGARDING FILING IN WEST COAST PORT DISPUTE

“At the President's direction, the Justice Department will seek a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction in the United States District Court in San Francisco to stop the lockout in connection with the West Coast port dispute. Already, this dispute is costing the American economy nearly $1 billion a day. This 80 day injunction will allow the ports to reopen and allow employees to return to work and receive paychecks. Reopening the ports will benefit the economy, as well as protect our national security. This injunction will provide time for the parties to settle the dispute without irreparably harming multiple industries and putting tens of thousands of American jobs and paychecks in jeopardy. The Justice Department will vigorously defend the President's authority to protect American workers, protect our economy and ensure military readiness in times of national crisis.”

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02-588