MODE GLOBAL ADVISORY: DEADLINE EXTENDED ON POTENTIAL LABOR DISRUPTION AT CALIFORNIA PORTS
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DEADLINE EXTENDED The November 1 strike deadline set by unionized security personnel, who work at six marine terminals in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, has been extended until November 4, so the union and maritime employers can continue to negotiate a new labor contract. The Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), which represents employers, said in a statement Friday, it and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 26 have agreed to the extension until 5 p.m. Pacific time on November 4. Local 26 represents 250 security workers, called watchmen, at six terminals in Los Angeles and Long Beach. The PMA said the watchmen work at terminals in Long Beach that handle about 85% of the cargo at that port, and terminals in Los Angeles that handle 33% of the cargo there. “PMA remains committed to reaching a fair agreement at the bargaining table that avoids disruption at the nation’s two busiest ports,” the employer group said, adding that negotiations are continuing with assistance from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. A spokesperson for the ILWU said Friday the union had no comment. Port stakeholders have been urging the two sides to head off a strike at the largest U.S. gateway as terminal congestion worsens and retailers fear some holiday shipments may not make it to store shelves before Black Friday. In a statement earlier this week, PMA said members of the other ILWU locals are not expected to cross any Local 26 picket lines should there be a strike, “which could halt vessel, yard and gate operations at the affected terminals.” Los Angeles and Long Beach have been handling record or near-record container volumes over the past four months amid an extended peak season as retailers responded to changing tariff deadlines announced by the Trump administration as well as supply chain challenges caused by congestion at Chinese ports and draft limitations at the Panama Canal.
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