The ILA had managed, by the early 20th century, to partially decasualize longshoring by formalizing the hours of work, but families who relied on income from the port found that work rhythms were still governed by "seasonality and the availability of work." (29) The employment of dock workers had traditionally been casual, due to a variety of factors such as the nature of the cargoes (some "requiring more men or greater skill than others"); the level of mechanization available; and the efficiency of "inland transport services." Port employment was also affected by "general economic conditions, by seasonal fluctuations in trade and by changes in the international situation." (30)

Other powers of the Commission were the power to prohibit public loaders--an authority that went beyond the NYSCC's recommendation that public loaders merely be regulated; regularize or decasualize employment; hold hearings and take action in accordance with its findings; appoint or designate employees with police powers (powers to investigate and make arrests) throughout the states of New York and New Jersey; and assess and collect fees from the employers for the purposes of covering the expenses of the Commission.(2)