Labor dispute disrupts cargo operations at West Coast ports.

The Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), which represents terminal operators, claims that coordinated and disruptive labor measures led by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) caused cargo operations to come to a halt at the Port of Seattle. On the first shift, the ILWU refused to send dockers to container terminals, forcing the port’s closure. However, the ILWU denies the allegations and accuses the PMA of issuing biased information to influence the process. The West Coast ports are open as the unions continue to operate under an expired collective agreement.

The unions are demanding a pay rise that reflects their contribution to the shipping industry’s record profits from the pandemic cargo boom. They also want additional compensation for the hours worked since the end of the contract. The West Coast ports are critical to US supply chains and the economy, stretching from California to Washington State. More than 22,000 longshoremen have been working without contracts since July.

The US Chamber of Commerce has called for President Joe Biden to appoint an independent mediator to address the protracted labor dispute at West Coast ports. The largest US corporate conglomerate has urged Biden to intervene immediately because of “continuing and potentially extended service disruptions at these ports ahead of the peak shipping season.” However, the Port of Seattle has not yet made any comments on the matter.

In conclusion, the accusations between the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) continue to disrupt cargo operations at the Port of Seattle. The West Coast ports are essential to the US economy, and the unions demand a pay rise that reflects their contribution to the shipping industry’s record profits. Amidst the protracted labor dispute, the US Chamber of Commerce has urged President Joe Biden to appoint an independent mediator to address the issue immediately.

Source .