Impactful Actions: ILWU Brings Operations to a Halt

On Friday, June 2, 2023, dockworkers on the US West Coast initiated work actions at major container gateways after coastwide contract negotiations failed due to wage disagreements. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) disrupted operations at marine terminals in Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, Tacoma, Seattle and Hueneme. Cargo handling has been partially or completely halted at these terminals. ILWU Local 13 stated that union members expressed their displeasure with the position of ocean carriers and terminal operators. Talks on wages broke down and no further negotiations are scheduled. The ongoing contract talks have led to a decline in the US West Coast’s Trans-Pacific market share, prompting retailers to divert cargo to East and Gulf Coast ports until a ratified contract is achieved. Once negotiations resume and a tentative agreement is reached, it will undergo review by ILWU members before a ratification vote takes place, typically spanning over a month.

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