LA-Long Beach security-worker strike deadline delayed to Nov. 4

· Shipping · United States

The Pacific Maritime Association said the strike deadline at the Los Angeles-Long Beach port complex has been pushed to Nov. 4, with talks continuing with ILWU Local 26 with assistance from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. About 250 security workers represented by Local 26 had been preparing to strike from Sunday, after their labour contract extension was set to expire at 5pm Pacific Time. The dispute covers security staff rather than dockworkers who handle cargo, but the ports are the largest US container gateway and the Loadstar reports congestion and container backlogs already building there. The earlier extension had already moved the deadline once this week; the new date gives mediators a further window before any walkout.

Why it matters：Any stoppage at the largest US container gateway would ripple through trans-Pacific schedules and inland rail, and the backlog already forming is likely to feed detention and demurrage disputes.

Key points

  • About 250 security workers of ILWU Local 26 are covered by the dispute.
  • The Pacific Maritime Association said talks continue with federal mediation help.
  • The Loadstar reports container backlogs growing at the two ports.

Sources (original reporting)

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