PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Port of Portland commissioners approved another subsidy Wednesday for the terminal operator to help save the ocean shipping business during a union dispute.

Commissioners authorized as much as $3.7 million in rent rebates to ICTSI Oregon Inc., which operates the port’s international container terminal.

The Oregonian reports (http://is.gd/Jg0mOF ) the latest subsidy follows a $1 million incentive approved last month and could total the amount of rental income the port receives from the company.

The union dispute broke out in June, and a slowdown caused ships to bypass Portland.

Litigation continues over what amounts to a total of two jobs at the terminal. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union claims the jobs performed by members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

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Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com

Copyright 2013 The AP.