On July 1st, GCCA joined with industry partners in sending a letter to President Biden regarding the ongoing West Coast port labor negotiations between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association. The current contract’s expiration on July 1st there are concerns about the potential impacts to the supply chain.
The coalition letter urges urge the administration to continue to work with the parties to reach a new agreement without any disruption to port operations. Specifically, the letter requests that the Administration work with the parties on three critical points:
Extend the current contract until a final contract is reached.
Commit to remain at the negotiating table and negotiate in good faith.
Agree to not engage in any kind of activity that leads to further disruption at the ports.
The Administration facilitated discussions between the parties that resulted in a joint statement released on June 14th that cargo operations will continue beyond the contract expiration and that neither party is preparing for a strike or a lockout. While it is encouraging that the parties have communicated their intention to continue operations, we believe an immediate extension of the current contract is important and will provide assurance to the millions of businesses, workers and consumers who rely on the West Coast ports.
