Goal is to Keep Cargo Moving
On May 10, 2022, labor negotiations began for a new collective bargaining agreement between employers and dockworkers on the West Coast. The current Pacific Maritime Contract Agreement (PMA) with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) expires on July 1, 2022.
Both parties are hopeful of keeping the cargo moving while negotiations are in process, and discussions are scheduled to continue daily until they reach a contract agreement. In an effort to avoid further disruptions to the supply chain, both sides issued a joint statement that they expect to keep cargo moving until an agreement is reached.
Issues such as the PMA’s willingness to provide training programs that the ILWU wants funded such as training dock labor employees, and the PMA’s desire for increasing port automation may prove to be the main sticking points to reach a successful agreement.
Fingers remain crossed that West Coast Cargo will continue to move without impediments during
negotiations which could last for weeks or months.
Please contact your Western Overseas representative with any questions.
