Labour talks between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) are unlikely to provide a solution before the deadline, but the two parties refute lockout.
The parties involved in West Coast port labour talks issued a joint statement on 14 June stating that cargo operations would continue – despite the expectation that no agreement will come before the 1 July deadline.
“Neither party is preparing for a strike or a lockout,” said ILWU and PMA, reassuring shippers fearing disruption in the supply chain if the contracts expire without an agreement.
As part of the update, the two parties mentioned they had met with President Joe Biden during his visit to the Port of Los Angeles and discussed their commitment to reach a deal.
Talks between the PMA and the ILWU to produce new labour contracts for 22,000 West Coast dockworkers began on 10 May.
Just recently, Port of Long Beach Executive Director, Mario Cordero, revealed that he did not anticipate talks to reach a solution before 1 July.
