A potential labor disruption at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach has been delayed as the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) representing employers, and International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 26 agree to continue negotiations through November 4, according to reporting from gCaptain.
The negotiations involve approximately 250 union watchmen who provide security services at the two ports. While their previous labor agreement expired in July 2025, they have continued working under contract extensions while negotiations remain underway, as reported by American Shipper.
Matthew Burgess, Vice President, LCL USA at Shipco, said a potential walkout could affect eight terminal locations: APM Terminals (APMT), Long Beach Container Terminal (LBCT), Total Terminals International (TTI), SSA facilities at C-60, A-90 and LB 206, Pacific Container Terminal (PCT), and OH 55.
Although the watchmen account for a relatively small share of the ILWU workforce at the port complex, a walkout could have broader operational consequences. According to reporting from American Shipper, PMA said the terminals covered by the strike notice handle approximately 85% of Long Beach cargo and 33% of Los Angeles cargo.
However, the risk of wider disruptions remains if other ILWU members honor Local 26 picket lines. “Other ILWU workforce branches such as longshoremen and marine clerks traditionally honor Local 26 picket lines. If Local 26 establishes pickets following the expiration of their contract extension, then vessel, yard, and gate operations across terminals handling more than half of the nation’s busiest port complex will come to an immediate halt,” Burgess noted.
The labor uncertainty comes as the twin ports are also dealing with delays in moving containers to inland rail networks. According to reporting from American Shipper, terminal congestion and the inability to position sufficient railcars into Southern California have resulted in delays, adding pressure to cargo flows ahead of the holiday shipping period.
Source: gCaptain, American Shipper, Shipco Transport
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