While there is still a media blackout on the status of negotiations between ILWU labor and employers at ocean terminals, the effects of the negotiations are being felt through increased terminal congestion related to “slow work”.
Reportedly, ILWU longshoremen have been deliberately slowing their work and taking 2-hour lunches. The result is long lines for truckers, reduction in throughput at the terminal, and increased dwell time to move to rail.
We anticipate up to a week in delays on cargo transiting West Coast ports for the next few weeks as a result.
Related
West Coast Labor Update: Countdown to contract expiration (6.17.2014)
Rich Roche is Vice President of International Transportation at Mohawk Global Logistics.