There remains no contract deal on the West Coast between the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) and employer group Pacific Maritime Association (PMA).
We are into our eighth month of being without a contract, and it is wearing on everyone. Cargo is undoubtedly shifting to ports on the East Coast and Gulf, and whether it returns post-contract is hotly debated.
Both side have agreed to, and are abiding by, a gag order on the status of the negotiations. While no one is talking, word on the street is jurisdiction and automation are the hurdles, and there is hope for a contract in March.
We will see.