On Friday, the busiest US ocean gateway was largely closed due to a labor action by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), leading to an extreme shortage of West Coast port workers.
From Thursday evening onwards, operators required to load and unload cargo were absent on the job site. This was reported by PMA (Pacific Maritime Association) which accounts for employers in this matter.
The ILWU declared that the slowdown was caused by their members attending a required meeting on Thursday evening, and honoring Good Friday the following day. Yet, in contrast to this story, the PMA insists that union workers have deliberately chosen not to work amid ongoing contract discussions.
Since ILWU and PMA’s prior deal expired on July 1, 2022, major merchants have chosen to transfer their cargo to East Coast or Gulf Coast ports in an effort to prevent disruptions.
On Friday morning, four of the six terminals at Port of Long Beach were closed off when workers failed to appear. Fortunately, regular operations are set to resume on Saturday.
To ensure that operations return to normal, the Port of Los Angeles is actively communicating with all relevant parties — including federal, state, and local officials. Meanwhile, the California Retailers Association has expressed concern regarding its supply chain and requested Gov. Gavin Newsom as well as the Legislature to get involved in resolving this issue between both parties quickly.
After fruitful talks between the ILWU and PMA, a tentative agreement on many challenging negotiation issues was reached. President Joe Biden’s administration has been actively participating in meetings to ensure this contract matter is concluded swiftly and smoothly.
The labor dispute that led to the California port shutdown is causing concern about the supply chain and potential further disruption to port operations and cargo fluidity. The parties are under pressure to resolve the matter promptly.
This labor dispute has highlighted the need for fair and equitable labor practices that protect the rights of both employers and employees. As a business owner or worker affected by this situation, it is important to know your legal rights and options.
If you need assistance with labor law matters in California, call the employment attorneys at Labor Law Advocates for a free consultation. Let’s work together to ensure fair and just outcomes for all parties involved.
