Overview
The Law, Licensing & Employment Information Center (EIC) Division licenses companies and individuals that handle or perform services incidental to the handling of containerized cargo in the Port of New York.
Investigations
Working with the Police Division, Commission counsel conduct comprehensive background investigations to determine if applicants meet the necessary legal standards to work on the waterfront. They also conduct investigations into waterfront practices, and investigate individuals and entities who work and operate in the Port to determine if they have engaged in any violations of law. Our investigative attorneys work closely with outside law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies to develop criminal cases against targets.
Administrative Hearings
Our administrative responsibility to license longshore workers and remove dangerous persons from working in the Port is critical in ensuring the Port’s safety, security, diversity and competitiveness. This division conducts disciplinary proceedings to deny or revoke licensure for individuals who do not meet the necessary legal standards to work on the waterfront, to ensure that those who pose a danger to the public peace or safety or lack the requisite good character and integrity are barred from port employment.
Licensing & Employment Information Centers
Licensing personnel supervise the Telephonic Hiring Employment Information Center, which oversees the daily hiring of longshore workers, checkers and pier guards to ensure that all port hiring is performed in accordance with Waterfront Commission Rules and Regulations and applicable collective bargaining agreements. They also monitor requests for additions to the companies’ regular hiring lists in accordance with applicable regulations and the relevant collective bargaining agreements.
Decasualization Program
Licensing personnel administer the decasualization program. Generally, all longshore workers are required to work or make themselves available for work 15 days per month for 5 of the 6 months of each half-calendar year, for a minimum of 90 days. Port workers who do not have “good cause” for missing these requirements will be removed from the waterfront through a process called decasualization. Some examples of good cause include illness or military service.
Security officers have their own work attendance requirements. Security officers must work a minimum of 200 hours during a 12-month period commencing each October 1st.