Three weeks after the 1 July deadline, the two sides attempting to hammer out a new US West Coast labour contract are still unable to seal an agreement. When negotiations broke down six years ago the ensuing port lockout proved disastrous for both shipping and the US economy. The fear for shipping is that the current service will be impacted by the negotiating tactics of the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU). Additionally, the worst-case scenario of a sequel to 2002 is hovering in the background. The Pacific Merchant Association (PMA) has accused the ILWU dock-workers of deliberate slowdowns at Long Beach and Los Angeles (which make up 80% of union members), such as simultaneous coffee breaks, with productivity down 30% at some terminals.
展开▼
