The International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 26 representing the 250 security guards at eight terminals within the Los Angeles and Long Beach port complex have agreed to go on strike on November 4th if an agreement has not been reached.
Such a strike would effectively shut down terminal operations in Southern California as other ILWU locals will not cross the picket line…putting everyone on edge.
The previous contract expired in July 2025, and Local 26 and the management group, Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), have been negotiating without success.
Both sides agreed to have the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service assist with negotiations, and a mediator is currently on-site to facilitate an agreement.
In case you are wondering, the current 6-year coastwide ILWU contract expires July 1, 2028, two weeks before the Olympic Games are to be in the Los Angeles area.