California Dems Urge Quick Agreement in Union Talks at West Coast Ports

Six Democratic House members in recent days pushed the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association to strike an accord in ongoing labor negotiations, but praised the two sides for maintaining commercial flow at West Coast ports while the talks continue. The ILWU contract with the maritime association expired on July 1, and some feared the negotiations would shut down some ports or force cargo diversions (see 14070222). “For the past several months, we have been monitoring, with great interest, the progress in your ongoing negotiations,” said an Oct. 24 letter to the heads of both organizations, signed by California lawmakers Janice Hahn, Alan Lowenthal, Juan Vargas, Linda Sanchez, Grace Napolitano and Mark Takano. “We have been encouraged by joint messages that you have released throughout the negotiations indicating your commitment to maintaining a smooth flow of commerce as you negotiate a new agreement.”