Trade Groups Continue Campaign for Federal Mediation in Labor Deadlock

More than 160 trade groups urged President Barack Obama on Dec. 23 to force federal mediation in the ongoing labor contract impasse between the Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. The letter echoes frequent and growing industry calls for the federal government to resolve the deadlock, which affects 29 West Coast ports (see 1412180012). PMA officially asked for the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service for help (see 1412180012).

During the busy holiday season, disruptions continue to burden producers, retailers and other traders that move goods through the ports, said the letter. It is imperative that the ILWU agree to the use of a mediator,” said the groups, which included the National Retail Federation, Outdoor Industry Association and Retail Industry Leaders Association. “We are extremely concerned the negotiations will now slip into 2015 and continue to cause problems for all industries that rely on the ports.”

A PMA spokesman said on Dec. 22 the two sides disagree on a number of fronts. National Retail Federation Vice President for Supply Chain Jonathan Gold backed up those remarks the following day. “After months of talks, the two sides have made very little discernible progress toward a new contract, however they have succeeded in disrupting the global supply chain, increasing port congestion for importers and exporters, delaying shipments for retailers, manufacturers, farmers and others, and potentially harming the long-term competitiveness of the West Coast ports,” said Gold in a statement (here).