Port of Oakland officials have applauded word that West Coast longshore workers are likely to approve a three-year contract extension.
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union said that early coastwide election results indicate support for extending an existing pact with waterfront employers through 1 July 2022, with ratification expected soon.
“This shows that the West Coast means business when it comes to moving cargo for our customers,” said Port of Oakland executive director Chris Lytle. “We’re the most efficient, timely and cost-effective gateway for international trade and with a contract extension, we’re also the most dependable.”
The port said a contract extension would ease concerns about labour-management disputes that can arise when waterfront contracts are negotiated.
Since the last West Coast contract was signed in 2015, labour relations have been good and productivity high, the port said.
“We feel that a decision to extend the contract reflects improving relations and performance up and down the West Coast,” Lytle noted.
Longshore workers load and unload ships at West Coast container ports, while also handling cargo in marine terminals and processing imports and exports moving through terminal gates.
