The negotiations between the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) about the new collective bargaining agreement for more than 22,000 workers at 29 US West Coast ports are continuing.
ILWU stated it “remains committed to bargaining a contract that is fair and equitable and represents the hard work and contributions of its members toward the ongoing success of the multi-billion-dollar shipping industry.”
PMA said that on 11 June at the two busiest container ports of the country in Los Angeles and Long Beach, the ILWU resumed its practice of withholding lashers from terminals, resulting in vessels having to miss their scheduled departures. “The Union also did not fill orders for labor from several terminal operators despite the fact they were placed properly and on time,” pointed out the Association.
Additionally, at the Port of Seattle, ILWU continued to stage disruptive work actions that led to containerised terminal operations coming to a halt, according to PMA, which added that in some cases, the Union slowed down operations, resulting in longshore workers being sent home. “On another shift, the Union failed to dispatch longshore workers which effectively shut down the port,” highlighted PMA in a statement.
“Despite what you are hearing from PMA, West Coast ports are open as we continue to work under our expired collective bargaining agreement,” stated the President of ILWU, Willie Adams on 10 June.
But, PMA refuted him two days later saying that the aforementioned disruptive actions contrast sharply with his statement.
Meanwhile, the Biden Administration is monitoring the situation, according to White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, who stated, “We know that the parties in the negotiation have overcome some sticky points already and are continuing to address the most difficult issues right now.”
She went on to add, “We are encouraging all parties to certainly — to continue to work in good faith and do that in a — certainly in a mutually beneficial resolution to ensure that workers get their fair benefits, quality of life, and wages that they deserve.”
Karine Jean-Pierre noted that the Acting Secretary, Julie Su, is currently on the West Coast meeting with all parties, encouraging them to reach a resolution.
It is important to mention that the previous agreement expired on 1 July 2022 and talks began on 10 May 2022.
