Strike at busiest US port just days away as talks continue

The Pacific Maritime Association and International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 26 have extended their contract until 5 p.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday, Nov. 4, temporarily averting a potential work stoppage at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach while ongoing negotiations persist. The two parties will continue discussions with the help of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.

The agreement grants additional time for negotiations but fails to resolve the core labor dispute. Local 26 represents around 250 watchmen assigned to security duties at port terminals. These facilities process approximately 85% of cargo at Long Beach and 33% at Los Angeles, according to PMA. The association remains committed to a fair settlement at the bargaining table and avoiding disruptions at the busiest U.S. container ports.

The watchmen's prior agreement expired in July 2025, and they have continued operations under extensions while the union and employers negotiate a new deal. Local 26 members authorized a potential strike before the previous Nov. 1 deadline, as per PMA. In an Oct. 23 letter, Local 26 President Luisa Gratz mentioned negotiations had been ongoing since 2025 without yielding an agreement.

The union members earn an average annual income of $170,000. The sides have not disclosed the specific issues in the negotiations. The watchmen's talks are distinct from the broader West Coast longshore labor agreement, which remains in effect until 2028 and covers about 22,000 workers at 29 ports. Though the watchmen make up about 2% of the ILWU workforce at the two ports, their roles at major terminals could lead to broader disruptions.

PMA has warned that other ILWU members might honor picket lines during a strike, potentially disrupting vessel, yard, and gate operations at affected facilities.