The current Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Pacific Maritime Association (29 west coast ports) and the International Longshoreman's Workers Union (20,000 workers) expires on June 30. If the ongoing negotiations do not yield a new agreement in the next few days, work stoppages, slowdowns, and possibly strikes are likely by west coast port unions in the near future.

“With the June 30th deadline date looming, SFIA is growing more concerned about the potential for a disruption in the flow of commerce through west coast ports and the adverse impact it will have on our members and the U.S. economy,” said Bill Sells, SFIA Vice President of Government and Public Affairs..  “While SFIA applauds U.S. Customs & Border Patrol for issuing a notice on procedures in advance of any labor issues, it is our hope that the PMA and ILWU can reach an agreement and avoid any labor issues at west coast ports which will adversely impact the U.S. economy at a critical time.”  

Below is the link to guidance provided by Customs & Border Patrol outlining procedures for vessels and cargo scheduled to enter the country via West Coast Ports should there be labor issues at the 29 west coast ports represented by the PMA.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Interim Procedures: http://apps.cbp.gov/csms/viewmssg.asp?Recid=20151&page=&srch_argv=14-000365&srchtype=all&btype=&sortby=&sby=

SFIA members interested or concerned about the impact the West Coast Port Strike could have on their business should contact CBP using the links included in the “interim procedures” notice or Bill Sells directly at bsells@sfia.org or 301.495.6321.