US West Coast port operations disrupted as labour tensions flare up

Several US West Coast ports have seen operations disrupted in recent days, following the latest flare up in tensions between the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) as talks over a collective bargaining agreement continue.

The PMA, which represents over 70 ocean carriers and maritime companies, accused the ILWU of staging “concerted and disruptive work actions” slowing down operations at terminals at the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland and Seattle.

It stated: “Union leaders are implementing many familiar disruption tactics from their job action playbook, including refusing to dispatch workers to marine terminals, slowing operations, and making unfounded health and safety claims.”