Centerline Logistics v. Inlandboatmen's Union of the Pacific CA2/8

INTRODUCTION

Appellants ask us to reverse the trial court’s order granting two special motions to strike their civil complaint as a strategic lawsuit against public participation under the anti-SLAPP statute, Code of Civil Procedure section 425.16. We affirm.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

I. The Parties

Plaintiff and appellant Centerline Logistics Corporation (Centerline) is the corporate parent of approximately 15 subsidiaries, including plaintiff Westoil Marine Services, Inc. (Westoil). Both are “maritime petroleum companies”—Centerline provides fueling to ships and transports petroleum between critical refineries and terminals “up and down the U.S. West, East, and Gulf Coasts,” while Westoil provides “bunkering services in the Los Angeles/Long Beach harbor.” Westoil is located at and operates out of Berth 301 in the Port of Los Angeles (the Port). Defendant and respondent Inlandboatmen’s Union of the Pacific (IBU) is a labor organization that represents over 2000 maritime employees along the West Coast. Defendant and respondent Cris Sogliuzzo (Sogliuzzo) is an employee of Westoil. He is represented by the IBU in his capacity as a maritime worker. He is a member of…