According to today's USDA Grain Transportation Report, on April 20, both parties in the labor negotiations for the West Coast ports seemed to indicate progress.
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) reported to the Journal of Commerce (JOC) that “it had reached ‘a tentative agreement’ with West Coast employers on ‘certain key issues.’”
On the other side, the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) noted “significant progress has been achieved.” Neither party disclosed which issues had been agreed on.
Lasting for more than 10 months so far, the prolonged negotiations have sewn labor uncertainty in the market and resulted in cargo shifts to East and Gulf Coast ports.
PMA added that key issues remain unresolved and “work actions led by ILWU Local 13 at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach continued to disrupt some operations at key marine terminals.”