In August, 1951, the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association established a picket line near Isthmian ships in California ports. Isthmian attempted to order longshore gangs from the ILWU hall to work their ships, but the ILWU refused to furnish longshoremen and break the strike. Isthmian later sued the ILWU for damages in the amount of approximately $2500 per vessel, per day, for every day the ships were delayed. In addition, this trial brought up questions of the state of contracts and negotiations with the PMA.