Increasing attention is getting devoted to the West Coast port contract negotiations between the Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union.
The concern is because of the recent and continued slowdowns and temporary work stoppages at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
“Given how the tension between the two parties appears to be increasing, this topic will likely remain a significant point of discussion for the foreseeable future,” says Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition.
A recent work stoppage from April 6 to April 7 at both ports and the subsequent slowdowns were “deliberately disruptive,” according to the PMA, the group that represents 70 terminal operators.
The two parties have been negotiating a new five-year contract since July 1, 2022. These negotiations don’t apply to the bulk of exports of soybeans and grain from Pacific Northwest ports, which operate under separate contracts.