Picture of a crane at a port with containers in the background.

As the contract negotiations between the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the employer group, Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), drag on into their eleventh month, the supply chain is losing its collective patience and is seeking federal government intervention. An alliance of importers, exporters and industry associations sent a letter to the Biden Administration requesting their involvement in the negotiations.

Federal mediators have been appointed in past negotiations, and it worked. Both sides were able to quickly come to an agreement. A federal mediator sure would be useful now. We are at a stalemate.

It is no secret the biggest stumbling block is jurisdictional disputes between the ILWU and the International Association of Machinists (IAM). These disputes are on-going and seem to be hanging up the contract and are resulting in cargo shifting to East and Gulf Coast ports.

The result is West Coast terminal operators reduce hours to match the diminished vessel calls and import cargo volumes, which negatively impacts both longshore jobs and exporters’ ability to get their cargo to market. .

Meanwhile, negotiations between the International Longshore Association (ILA) and the employer group, United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), covering the East and Gulf Coast ports have begun, and there is talk of signing a contract without fanfare or delay through 2030.

Looking from the outside, it looks like the ILA is eating the ILWU’s lunch.

Latest News

FREEDOM TO CHOOSE

In a huge win for motor carriers and cargo owners alike, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) sided with motor carriers in their suit against ocean carriers regarding the ability to use chassis of their choice. A bit of history...in 2020, the American Trucking...

A WARM WELCOME

We join the Port of Oakland in welcoming Carolyn Almquist as the port's new Maritime Marketing Manager. Ms. Almquist was with APL/CMA-CGM for 25 years before coming on board at the Port of Oakland.

OICT ADDS HOOT SHIFT

To help clear a backlog of vessels, SSA in Oakland will temporarily operate a hoot shift (0300-0800). But, do not get too excited, it is for vessel operations only. The terminals gates will remain closed to truck traffic.

NAME THAT PART

Do you know what this part is? Hint, it is something used in truck or container transportation. Play "Name That Part" on our Facebook page. Click here to be directed to our page and place your guess. Good luck!

ILA UPDATE

In March 2023, International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) President Harold Daggett instructed the local unions to cease contract negations covering local benefits and work rules. In a turn of events, Daggett has now given the locals not only a green light to...

Share This