West Coast Ports to Continue at Full Capacity, Say Ports and ILWU in Joint Statement

Dockworkers at 29 West Coast ports will continue to move cargo at normal operating capacity, despite the July 1 expiration of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) contract with the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), said the two organizations in a joint statement. “Both sides understand the strategic importance of the ports to the local, regional and US economies, and are mindful of the need to finalize a new coast-wide contract as soon as possible to ensure continuing confidence in the West Coast ports and avoid any disruption to the jobs and commerce they support,” said the July 1 statement. ILWU and port officials have recently dismissed speculation that the contract dispute would fuel port shutdowns and cargo diversions (see 14070128).