LA-LB Ports Re-open but Concerns Continue to Grow

As we begin this week, we are met with an update about last week’s situation at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach where workers did not show up for the second shift last Thursday. The night shift for these ports did return to work on Friday and are now operating normally. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 13 stated that workers didn’t show up to Thursday’s second shift because of a monthly membership meeting for the swearing in of a new president. The press release continued by stating that workers wanting to spend time with their families for the religious holiday did not work on Friday. It is unclear if workers will continue to miss shifts without advance notice to those in the supply-chain industry so appropriate planning can take place.

As talks between dockworkers on the US West Coast and their employers drag on, the risk of disruptions continues to grow. Ever since contract negotiations failed to be completed in 2022, labor disruption has been a constant concern. As history shows us, it doesn’t take long for vessels to build up off the coast of California.  Fortunately, this is not the case as of now. Last Friday, the National Retail Federation (NRF) issued a statement that it had communicated with the White House to urge the Biden administration to “prevent any further disruptions.” Noatum will continue to work hard to update you on your supply chain and address any concerns.

If you have any questions, please contact your local Noatum Logistics representative.