West Coast port terminals at the Port of Long Beach, California are experiencing occasional terminal closures as union dockworkers continue to hold contract negotiations this week.

Two of the six terminals at the Port of Long Beach were closed Monday during the day but reopened during the evening shift. Occasional closures like this have been intermittent since last Friday impacting productivity.

As sporadic partial shutdowns or lockouts continue, conditions at the ports are expected to decline and may impact cargo moving in and out of the United States. The disruptions are slowing operations, forcing the ports to close shipping terminals and turn away truckers at their gates.

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) have been negotiating a new contract since May, 2022. PMA represents 22,000 workers at 29 US West Coast ports. Ports and workers are locked in an unofficial dispute over wages, safety, automation and pension benefits. Significant progress has been made, but both sides continue working without a ratified contract and no immediate agreement is in sight. Both sides agreed to no closures during contract negotiations, but the possibility does still exist for widespread strike action.

Worldwide Logistics Group is encouraging its customers to plan accordingly, and the company will continue to report back any significant changes.

Please contact your Worldwide representative with any questions or for additional information.