Washington, D.C. (June 5, 2023): As West Coast Port labor talks drag on, the ports are resorting to slowdowns and stoppages for more leverage in negotiations. Following earlier moves to remove key equipment for safety reasons and no longer staggering meal breaks leading to shutdowns at terminals, the Port of Long Beach shut down over the weekend. The Port schedule for the coming week suggests more problems Monday and Friday.
The Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and International Longshoreman and Warehouse Union (ILWU) have resolved issues around healthcare and automation but are at an impasse over benefits and pay. SFIA sent a letter to the President earlier this year requesting intervention by the Labor Department to keep the Ports open during negotiations to avoid unnecessary supply chain disruptions. Additional information on the shutdown and negotiations can be found here.
SFIA will continue to press the Administration to engage in the negotiations to endure the free flow of goods through west coast ports during labor talks.
For more information or for questions, please contact Bill Sells, SVP, Government & Public Affairs, at [email protected].