Unionized security workers and maritime employers at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have extended their deadline to reach a new labor agreement until November 20. The Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) announced early Saturday that additional negotiations will take place over the next two weeks.
This marks the third extension granted by the PMA and International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 26 as both sides continue working toward a new contract and seek to avoid a potential strike. The latest extension followed negotiations that continued late Friday night, just ahead of the midnight PT deadline.
The PMA reiterated its commitment to resolving the dispute through negotiations, stating that it remains focused on reaching a fair agreement while avoiding disruptions at the nation's two busiest ports.
ILWU Local 26 represents approximately 250 security personnel, known as watchmen, at six container terminals throughout the Los Angeles-Long Beach port complex. The union had initially threatened strike action for November 1, but the deadline was subsequently extended to November 4 and then again through midnight Friday.
We are closely monitoring the situation and will communicate material developments as they become available. Customers with time-sensitive cargo should contact their local South East World Wide Chicago, Ltd representative to review individual shipments and routing options.
As always, our priority is to minimize disruptions and keep your supply chain moving as efficiently as possible.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding.
For further questions or discussion, please contact your South East World Wide Chicago, Ltd. Sales Representative.