On Friday, June 2, a job action performed by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) significantly impacted, or in some cases completely shut down, labor operations in the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Similar action occurred in Port of Oakland, as well.
On Sunday, Total Terminals International (TTI), which owns one of the largest terminal operations in Long Beach, announced they would also be closed for operation on Monday, June 5.
The Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) who is negotiating with the ILWU on behalf of the terminal operators, released an update on Friday stating that ILWU labor actions were affecting all U.S. West Coast ports, including the Ports of Seattle, Tacoma, and Hueneme.
It is unclear at this time, how many terminals across the West Coast ports will be shut down today. Several terminals have been reported as planning to have normal operations today, though this could change depending on additional labor actions taken.
At this time, there is no strike or lock-out situation being reported. Per ILWU’s own statement, they did state that terminal operations should remain open, though clearly there have been and will continue to be at least partial disruptions.
These actions are reminiscent of ones taken in early April, which shut down port operations for two days before the ports re-opened. However, any time an action like this is taken, there is always the fear that it could escalate.
Mohawk Global will continue to monitor the situation and advise updates as they occur.
By Christopher Lindstrand, Director of International Transportation