Port watchmen strike threat hangs over Los Angeles and Long Beach

The threat of a strike by ILWU Local 26 members remains at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The previous contract extension was due to expire on 1 November, but on 30 October the parties agreed to extend it until 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on 4 November.

Negotiations will continue with assistance from the US Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. The Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) said it remained committed to reaching an agreement without disrupting port operations.

Risk of terminal shutdowns

Local 26 members account for about 2% of the ILWU workforce in the San Pedro Bay container port complex. However, they work at terminals handling more than half of the two ports’ combined cargo, including 85% of cargo at the Port of Long Beach and 33% at the Port of Los Angeles.

Longshore workers, marine clerks and other ILWU members work under a separate coastwide contract and are not parties to the dispute. However, PMA does not expect them to cross a Local 26 picket line. This could halt vessel, yard and gate operations at the affected terminals.

Differences over wages

According to PMA, significant differences remain between the parties, including wage proposals. The association says full-time port watchmen earn an average of more than $170,000 per year, with employer-paid healthcare and pension benefits.

Port customers are monitoring the negotiations because of the potential consequences for container supply chains.