The Port of Oakland has applauded a decision to bring federal mediation to stalled West Coast waterfront labor talks. It called the action a key first step in breaking an eight-month negotiating impasse between employers of the Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. Representatives from both sides asked last night for outside help in negotiating a contract to replace one that expired last May. “The announcement shows that both sides understand the importance of arriving at a contract settlement,” said Port of Oakland Executive Director Chris Lytle. “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 U.S.” Ports from Los Angeles to Seattle reported productivity declines in the fourth quarter of 2014 that slowed trade flows. Labor-management disputes were cited as one of the principal causes. A new contract for dockworkers is expected to help restore the flow of containerized cargo. The Port of Oakland is not part of the waterfront labor talks. As a landlord port, it leases its facilities to private-sector operators who manage terminals and hire longshore workers. Nevertheless, the Port and terminal operators have taken an active role in addressing the impact of stalled negotiations. The steps include: Mediation is just the first step in producing a new contract for dock workers. The goal is to craft a deal that can be ratified by employers and the full union membership. Both sides have remained mum on the issues that stand in the way an agreement.
  • Night and weekend gates to help ease a cargo buildup at marine terminals;
  • Express lanes to speed the movement of containerized imports out of the Port; and
  • Daily status updates for customers that include reports on waterfront staffing levels.