West Coast Ports Shut Down

Los Angeles ports temporarily shut down yesterday (6th of April) and are expected to continue to be closed throughout the Easter weekend due to a manpower shortage.  It has been confirmed that this work stoppage is a concerted action taken by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 13 (“ILWU”) in relation to the labor talks that have been ongoing since May 2022. The twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach were shut down on Thursday at 5pm local time and it is unclear as to when they will reopen. Thursday’s closures come as volumes at the Southern California ports dropped sharply. Retailers, manufactures and other importers are diverting goods to the East and Gulf Coasts due to the threat of union unrest.

Currently, the ILWU, which represents 22,000 dockworkers on the West Coast, has acted by withholding labor. The ILWU began withholding labor last night in which many positions were left unfilled. The ILWU continues to withhold throughout the morning, effectively shutting down both ports. The Union’s actions are believed to be because of the recent dissension three weeks ago in which ILWU Local 13 in Southern California stopped following a contract provision which gives employers the right to stagger meal periods. The Pacific Maritime Association, which speaks for terminal operators and carriers, has released the following statement: “These actions undermine confidence in West Coast ports, and threaten to further accelerate the diversion of discretionary cargo to Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports. The health of the Southern California and state economy depend on the ability of the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to stem this market share erosion.” Noatum will continue to release updates as received.

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