We can all breathe a collective sigh of relief today with the news that the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) and Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) have reached a tentative agreement on a new six-year contract covering all 29 ports on the West Coast. The ratification process can take around a month to complete, but the joint statement released by the groups signifies an end to the disruptions that began last fall.
“We are pleased to have reached an agreement that recognizes the heroic efforts and personal sacrifices of the ILWU workforce in keeping our ports operating,” said PMA President James McKenna and ILWU President Willie Adams in a joint statement. “We are also pleased to turn our full attention back to the operation of the West Coast Ports."
The deal was reached with the help of acting US Labor Secretary Julie Su. “The tentative agreement delivers important stability for workers, for employers and for our country’s supply chain,” Su said in a statement. “This important milestone is welcome news to all, and on behalf of President Biden, we are pleased to congratulate both parties on what they have achieved.”
We're pleased by this news and applaud the ILWU and PMA for reaching an agreement, bringing back stability for shippers who rely on the West Coast gateways.
If you have any questions regarding this update, or need assistance with your shipments to the West Coast and Pacific Northwest, please contact us.