Disruptions in numerous West Coast ports across the U.S. may soon subside with a deal reached between both parties. ILWU workers and the PMA (Pacific Maritime Association) have negotiated a new contract for the past 13 months.
West Coast Ports Disruptions Persist
The disruptions continued in the Port of Seattle with the shutdown of the entire seaport on June 10th. On June 9th, the second and third shifts experienced massive slowdowns as ILWU officials led operations to a pause. The Port Authority responded by sending the workers home; insufficient workers led to closure the next day. This port is one of the biggest movers of grain and produce in the U.S. Shipments from U.S. exporters are currently idle at the docks, with the ILWU declining to dispatch terminal workers. The ILWU made a contradictory statement: that the Port of Seattle and other ports are operating.
Union Worker Action Close West Coast Ports
Several ports across the West Coast closed abruptly due to union workers walking off the job. The Port of Oakland experienced a closure on both the TraPac and its largest, the SSA terminal. The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach similarly had terminal shutdowns due to insufficient labor. Negotiations between the PMA and the ILWU have reached a boiling point. To show their frustrations over insufficient wage talks, ILWU workers have gone on strike, affecting port operations.