The largest container gateway into the U.S. remained closed on April 7 due to a second day of dockworker labor shortage. The Pacific Maritime Association said ILWU Local 13 had “effectively shut down” the Los Angeles and Long Beach Ports. Cargo volumes have dropped sharply from peak levels a year ago, prompting retailers, manufacturers, and other importers to divert goods to the East and Gulf coasts to avoid potential shipping snarls.
The National Retail Federation renewed its call to the White House to engage in labor negotiations to prevent disruption at the West Coast ports, especially in Los Angeles and Long Beach. The White House declined to comment. Stephen Lyons, Biden’s supply chain envoy, said the situation was due to “temporary, localized friction,” Both parties were committed to negotiating a contract.
Negotiations over a new labor contract for West Coast dockworkers are strained. The PMA said most jobs went unfulfilled on April 6, coinciding with a changeover in leadership for the International Longshore and Warehouse Union’s Local 13 chapter. The ILWU declined to comment, but their local chapter said its members “remain willing and able to work,” and some took the opportunity to celebrate religious holidays on April 7.
Source: https://www.ttnews.com/articles/west-coast-shut-labor
Leave a Comment