ILWU and PMA Dismiss 'Speculation' as Concerns Grow Over Possible West Coast Port Shutdown
Despite some growing industry concern that a West Coast port shutdown is imminent, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association dismissed the rumors and are adamant that negotiations continue. "The only people that know what's happening are the folks that are negotiating," said an ILWU spokesman. A PMA spokesman said he couldn't comment on the "speculation" and that "negotiations are ongoing, as are the ILWU slowdowns at ports up and down the West Coast." One executive who is familiar with the talks said a shutdown seems "extremely unlikely."
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While there's been some recent progress in the labor negotiations (see 1501270026), other industry executives have voiced concerns that a shutdown is imminent. "It appears that there will be a gradual lockout this week, expanding over the weekend, and fully implemented next week," Peter Friedmann, a lobbyist with FBB Federal Relations who represents a number of customs groups, told the Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of Northern California (here). "It is possible the ILWU will take some action to be the 'first' to act, but the result will be the same – shut-down of the west coast.” Friedmann said the speculation "has firm basis and warrants preparation."
Another industry executive said there's been increased mention that a continued standstill in negotiations would result in a shutdown in the Los Angeles/Long Beach area. While it remains unclear if anything will happen, "I know many of us agree that a lockout or strike to speed up the ultimate resolution process would not be a bad thing," said the executive. Lawmakers also expressed some increased concern recently (see 1502020016) despite recent involvement by federal mediators (see 1501060012). The two sides have been in negotiations since May.