Port operations are set to return to normal

Leaders from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) announced a preliminary agreement on terms for a new six year contract covering more than 25,000 dockworkers at 29 West Coast ports.

Productivity had reportedly fallen to 30 % at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach because of disruptive action from the longshore workers.

The leaders shook hands in San Francisco over the proposed agreement on Monday, after a long weekend of bargaining.

“The proposed agreement meets the needs of both workers and the industry.

The agreement is subject to ratification by the ILWU and PMA membership. The ILWU and PMA have agreed to extend the previous agreement and resume normal port operations.

ILWU President Bob McEllrath and PMA President Jim McKenna said the proposed agreement meets the needs of both workers and the industry. It allows West Coast ports to be competitive and provides the good jobs that workers and communities need.

The parties have agreed not to discuss details of the agreement.