WHILE several difficult issues remain to be resolved, the likelihood is growing that a deal between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) will be reached in August or September with little disruption occurring on the docks.
This is the view of a growing number of sources close to the ongoing West Coast longshore labour negotiations, reports IHS Media.
""The two sides continue to meet and negotiate,"" Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, said. ""Both have seasoned negotiators at the table, and each understands their importance to the US economy. I am optimistic that we will have a contract in good order and cargo will continue to flow.""
Still, although that sentiment was voiced by a number of sources, it is not unanimous, with some not convinced the process will proceed smoothly from here despite intense pressure on both labour and management from the Biden administration to get a deal done without further slowing container flow through West Coast ports.
The optimistic sources said they were reassured by recent joint statements from the ILWU and PMA, including one issued just hours before the existing contract's expiration on July 1 that appeared designed to ease those concerns.
""While there will be no contract extension, cargo will keep moving, and normal operations will continue at the ports until an agreement can be reached ...,"" the statement read in part.
Some remain skeptical, given the long history of labour actions and lockouts associated with ILWU-PMA contract negotiations going back to the 1990s.
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