By James Nash (Bloomberg) -- Union-led work slowdowns could shut down the 29 U.S. West Coast ports in five to 10 days, the head of the shippers’ association said, urging the union to accept a new offer that includes 3 percent raises. James McKenna, the president of the Pacific Maritime Association, said backups and delays at many of the ports are harming farmers, … [Read more...]
West Coast Port Labor Talks Intensify After Worker Slowdowns
By James Nash Nov. 14 (Bloomberg) -- Bargaining on a new contract for West Coast longshoremen has intensified after dockworkers who handle a majority of the nation’s cargo began selective slowdowns ahead of the holiday season. Negotiators for the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association, representing terminal operators and shipping … [Read more...]
Shipping Lines, Union Blame Each Other for West Coast Port Congestion
By Steve Gorman LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Tension over prolonged labor talks between maritime shippers and the union representing 20,000 West Coast dockworkers has erupted in public as the two sides blamed each other for escalating cargo congestion at the two busiest U.S. container ports. As of Tuesday, 14 freighters were anchored waiting for space to enter the twin ports … [Read more...]
Canada Ports Win as Container Ships Divert on Labor Concern
By Christopher Donville and Frederic Tomesco Aug. 27 (Bloomberg) -- Prince Rupert, a remote port luring tourists with the slogan “Where Canada’s Wilderness Begins,” may want to consider a new motto: “Asia’s Gateway to Chicago.” Container ships sailing across the northern Pacific are carrying more cargo and are setting course for British Columbia to avoid delays from a … [Read more...]
Pacific Northwest Grain Handlers Reach Tentative Agreement
By Christine Stebbins CHICAGO, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Unionized port workers and a group of Pacific Northwest grain companies reached a tentative contract agreement, according to an announcement on Tuesday, a deal that will soon ease a backlog of shipments from the biggest U.S. West Coast grain terminal. A federal mediator announced the tentative agreement, and a spokesman … [Read more...]