The Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles currently face a strike that could send ripples throughout the sporting goods industry possibly causing late deliveries of fall and back-to-school product. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union has threatened to honor picket lines if a contract is not reached soon for the approximately 750 clerks that have been working without a contract since July 1, according to local reports.


Talks were delayed Tuesday as a lead negotiator attended to a family medical emergency, but were expected to resume this morning. The Ports as a combined entity are one of the busiest in the country, accounting for approximately 40% of all cargo container traffic coming into the U.S.