CEA Launches Grassroots Letter Campaign To Avert Full West Coast Ports Shutdown

“Take Action Now -- Help Avoid a Full West Coast Ports Shutdown,” headlines a grassroots letter campaign launched Thursday warning that West Coast ports have “been temporarily shut down through Monday.” CEA fears “a full shutdown is possible after that if West Coast labor negotiations collapse between dockworkers and port terminal operators,” it said. “If this occurs, U.S. trade will immediately suffer.” CEA estimates a ports shutdown “could cost the U.S. economy $2 billion a day, impacting a range of goods we rely on -- agriculture, manufacturing, retail and transportation,” it said. “Congress and the White House must urge these groups to stay at the negotiating table. Tell the President and your members of Congress to get involved -- a possible shutdown will hurt American businesses, middle-class workers and the economy."