As the U.S.’s largest ports in California moved record amounts of cargo amid pandemic-induced supply-chain bottlenecks, union dockworkers strengthened their indispensable role in the nation’s logistics network.
But the expiration of labor contracts with more than 22,000 West Coast port workers this summer could throw a wrench in the recovery plans of the twin hubs of Los Angeles and Long Beach, which handle about 42% of all U.S. containerized trade with East Asia.
Contract negotiations between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and about 70 employers represented by the Pacific Maritime Association for new contracts started May 10. The sides have said they’re committed to keeping cargo moving throughout the process. This would avoid a repeat of the delays and congestion that hampered ports from San Diego to Bellingham, Washington during the 2014 talks that extended into 2015.
