In recent events concerning the West Coast Ports, the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), acting on behalf of ocean carriers, and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) have found themselves at odds over reported disruptions. The PMA has accused the ILWU of engaging in disruptive actions at the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, and Seattle during the past weekend and early this week.
In a press release issued on June 5, the PMA stated that union leaders were resorting to familiar tactics from their job action playbook, such as refusing to dispatch workers to marine terminals, intentionally slowing down operations, and making baseless health and safety claims. The PMA further warned that these actions could lead shippers to divert their cargo to East and Gulf Coast ports instead.
Contrary to reports suggesting that negotiations have broken down, International President Willie Adams made a statement affirming that progress was being made. Adams emphasized the critical role played by West Coast dockworkers in keeping the economy afloat during the pandemic, often at the cost of their lives. He emphasized that the ILWU workforce, which had contributed to the shipping industry’s record profits, would not accept an economic package that failed to acknowledge their heroic efforts and personal sacrifices.
Currently, the PMA and ILWU are still engaged in negotiations for a new labor contract concerning the West Coast ports.
