Contract negotiations between the Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union have had industry watchers nervous about a potential strike by the approximately 20,000 dockworkers involved. Now, it looks as if the negotiations, which have been ongoing since May, might conclude without a labor disruption.
According to a recent article by Bloomberg, “The longshoremen and the association representing shippers at 27 West Coast ports have been discussing how to retrain and preserve jobs for dockworkers as automation reduces the number of dock positions, as well as salaries and work rules. A strike or lockout could cost the U.S.economy $2 billion a day, according to the National Retail Federation and National Association of Manufacturers.”
Signs that the negotiations are proceeding smoothly is welcome news to those who use Pacific ports.
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