Strike threat looms over US ports
27/06/2014
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association are negotiating a new contract to replace one that expires on July 1. If they fail to reach an agreement, the ILWU could strike or take other actions that could affect shipments through West Coast ports.
“The CBP will continue its commitment to facilitate the movement of cargo caused by events out of CBP’s control,” it said in a statement. “All port locations that could be impacted have developed business resumption plans to ensure rapid restoration of vessel operations and entry processing of freight.”
The last large-scale strike occurred in 2002, closing all 29 ports on the West Coast for 11 days, and which some groups estimated cost the US economy $1 billion per day.
“A large majority of US hides and skins products are shipped to Asian markets through West Coast ports, especially through Los Angeles and Long Beach, so it is an issue the industry is monitoring very closely,” said Stephen Sothmann, president of the USHSLA.
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