Employers, watchmen at California ports extend contract talks
Employers and watchmen at California's Los Angeles and Long Beach ports have agreed to extend their contract negotiations through November 20, Reuters reports. This move prevents a potential strike involving about 2% of workers at the nation's busiest container port complex.
The Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) announced additional talks were scheduled with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 26, which represents approximately 250 maritime watchmen. Local 26 did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Watchmen play a crucial role at the terminals, controlling and inspecting truck and employee entries at gate entries, providing security, and guarding and tracking critical cargo crossing the docks. A strike by these watchmen could significantly disrupt operations at terminals that handle 85% of cargo at Long Beach and 33% at Los Angeles.
Both ports set all-time cargo volume records in September, carrying retail goods for holiday sales, equipment for AI data center construction, and auto parts.
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