Progress is being made in resolving an industrial dispute at ports across the US West Coast, with employers of the Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union requesting federal mediation to stalled labour talks.
Port of Oakland executive director Chris Lytle said the action was a key first step towards breaking an eight-month negotiation impasse between the two parties, which began when the last labour contract for dockworkers expired in May (2014). “The announcement shows that both sides understand the importance of arriving at a contract settlement,' Lytle explained.
Ports from Los Angeles to Seattle have reported productivity declines in the fourth quarter of 2014, stemming from the slowed trade flows.
The industrial action has had a significant impact on Washington State’s apple industry, which is heavily reliant on sea trade for its export programmes. In early December, Jon DeVaney, president of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association, said the impasse was costing the industry tens of millions of dollars each week, as lucrative markets in Asia, the Middle East and the Caribbean sought alternate suppliers.
'The impasse has affected port operations up and down the West Coast and the sooner it's resolved, the sooner we can resume the normal flow of trade in and out of the US,” Lytle added.
