Ports of Long Beach/LA Close Amid Contract Negotiations

Operations at the Port of Long Beach and Los Angeles temporarily shut down amid contract negotiations with the port and the ILWU Local 13 union. 

Reportedly, union workers have been working without a contract since July. 

Why did the Ports Close?

According to the IWLU Local 13, when workers did not show up Thursday evening it was due to a monthly meeting where a new union president was elected. 

On Friday, they stated that several union workers were absent due to the observance of the holiday Good Friday. 

However, port officials believe that the actions were purposeful to put pressure on contract negotiations. 

Despite this, the port seems optimistic about the future of the port returning to full capabilities and a resolution happening soon. To ensure this will not repeat, the National Retail Federation reached out to the White House expressing its concerns and asking President Biden to “prevent any further disruptions”. 

The Effect on the Ports

While past disruptions since the contract between IWLU Local 13 and the port expired have been “subtle,” last Friday’s events were the opposite, according to the Agricultural Transportation Coalition.

One member of the coalition had 10 container trucks turned away from the Port of Long Beach, causing the member to store them at a nearby storage yard. The move cost $20,000 and caused a loss in the sale of goods. 

 It was an experience shared by many importers and exporters, particularly in the agricultural sector. 

As a result, supply chains are transitioning to other ports on the Gulf Coast and the Eastern Seaboard. The Westcoast share of port volume has dropped nearly 5% since the contract between the port and the union ended last July. 

We’ll make sure to update you on the port and the contract negotiations with IWLU Local 13 Union. Until then, keep up with BOMA on the Frontline for the latest news in Greater Los Angeles.