AmericasPorts and Logistics
ILWU and PMA agree on talks to extend labour contract for West Coast ports
Longer-term labour peace at US West Coast ports could be in the offing after a majority of delegates to a caucus of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) voted to discuss a possible contract extension with the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA).
The PMA represents employers in the Pacific Coast shipping industry.
The existing labour contract runs until June 2019 but the union’s vote means both parties seem keen to renew it sooner to ensure a longer period of stability.
Last year saw serious disruption to the Pacific Coast ports with a nine-month industrial action which caused slowdowns and backlogs up and down the 29 PMA ports from Southern California to Washington State.