West Coast Port Worker Union Negotiations: Current Status and Potential Supply Chain Impacts
Last Updated: 6/26/2024
Archived Content: This content is not maintained and may no longer apply. For current information on supply chain disruptions, visit EPA's Current Supply Chain Disruptions.
Current Status
On June 15, 2023 the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), which represents more than 22,000 West Coast port workers, and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), which represents the West Coast port terminals and ocean carriers, concluded extended negotiations on a labor contract and announced a tentative agreement on a new six-year contract. This agreement is subject to ratification by both parties, which could take a few months to complete.
Recent News Reports
Impact on Water/Wastewater System Supply Chains
Work disruptions have affected ship schedules and container dwell times intermittently since the labor negotiations began in May 2022. Reaching an agreement prior to the peak import season will avert potential delays of imports of raw materials and other products that could have impacted water and wastewater system supply chains.