While congestion clears up, West Coast port shippers debate over how to navigate murky labor union talks
While west coast ports cool and congestion clears, the world’s largest container carriers are debating how to deal with the ongoing labor talks between the union dockworkers and the ports. With 22,000 labor contracts hanging in the balance, the world's largest carrier, Mediterranean Shipping Co. filed a motion with the National Labor Relations Board urging SSA Marine Inc. to assign tasks at the Port of Seattle’s Terminal 5 to the International Longshore and Warehouse Union.
California, Washington, and Oregon ports, represented by The ILWU and the Pacific Maritime Association, have been dealing with media and carriers alike voicing concerns about disruptions due to the ongoing negotiations. While all parties involved insist that they will avert disruptions, that is little solace. Previous labor contract negotiations in 2015 were only solved after President Barack Obama intervened.
Medical experts are warning that a prolonged strike at ports along the East and Gulf coasts could disrupt the supply of life-saving medications.