Californian port workers extend strike action

Port workers in Southern California have expanded strike actions at terminals at the twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, leading to widening productivity losses, warned the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA).

Overall, productivity at the port complex was down 20 to 30 % during the day shift on Tuesday, according to the PMA.

Work actions began on Tuesday July 15 and continue to hamper operations at two of the busiest ports in the US. The steps, which include tractor drivers operating their vehicles more slowly than normal and delays in placing containers on trucks, have slowed operations incrementally, but significantly, said the PMA.

The actions are occurring while the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and PMA attempt to negotiate a new labor contract.

“The ILWU's actions jeopardize an already fragile economy that can ill afford another hit.

Pacific Maritime Association

The previous waterfront contract expired on July 1 and the union refused to extend it as current negotiations continue, there are currently no means to arbitrate these matters or enforce against disruptive tactics, including coordinated work slowdowns.

ILWU-sanctioned slowdowns are a tactic used to exert leverage in contract talks. The slowdown tactics employed by the ILWU in 2002 resulted in a halting of port operations on the entire West Coast, prompting federal intervention that resulted in the re-opening of the ports.

The PMA said: ‘The ILWU’s actions jeopardize an already fragile economy that can ill afford another hit.’