Union, Port Authority Feud Over West Coast Contract, Productivity

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) is slowing down operations at the Seattle and Takoma ports in direct violation of a temporary agreement with the Pacific Maritime Association, said the PMA in a Nov. 3 statement (here). The two sides allowed their labor contract to expire on July 1 and have since been negotiating the terms of a new agreement. U.S. importers feared the lapse would disrupt trade, but the ports have largely operated a normal volume over the past several months. However, productivity at some terminals in the ports has decreased 40-60 percent since ILWU initiated the slowdown on Oct. 31, said PMA. The ILWU, in turn, called the PMA statement dishonest, adding that it will only extend conflict over the contract (here). Port operations have slowed recently due to chassis unavailability, as well as truck driver and rail car shortages. The American Apparel and Footwear Association recently lambasted slowdowns at two California ports (see 1411040008).