IWLA Urges President Biden to Engage in PMA-ILWU Negotiations

In a letter addressed to President Biden and Vice President Harris, IWLA and 48 other industry stakeholders implored the administration to engage in contract negotiations between the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) to avoid contract disputes that could exacerbate port congestion and delays.

The current contract between the PMA and the ILWU expires on July 1, 2022 and is already impacting port operations. Importers and exporters wary of further disruption are adjusting freight strategies to mitigate potential impacts and keep goods moving. Previous labor disputes at the ports have cost the U.S. economy upwards of $1 to $2 billion each day.

The signees warned the Biden administration that even a short port slowdown or shutdown threatens to compound existing inflationary pressures on the economy and manufacture long-lasting damage to consumer confidence and American businesses. Industry stakeholders urged the administration to encourage, and if necessary, convene the parties to facilitate negotiations.

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