Executive Director Chris Lytle: ‘This shows the West Coast means business’ Oakland, Calif. - Port of Oakland officials today applauded word that West Coast longshore workers will likely 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 July 1, 2022. Ratification of the vote is expected soon, the union said. “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 labor-management disputes that can arise when waterfront contracts are negotiated. Since the last West Coast contract was signed in 2015, labor 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,” Mr. Lytle said. Longshore workers load and unload ships at West Coast container ports. They also handle cargo in marine terminals and process imports and exports moving through terminal gates. They negotiate contracts with employers represented by the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA). Both the PMA and ILWU expressed willingness to seek an extension of their current contract shortly after it was signed.