An insightful update on West Coast port operations has come to light at the hands of the National Retail Federation (NRF). As the association shared, disruptions have recently taken place on the West Coast following the International Longshore and Warehouse Union’s decision to withhold labor at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. These closures extended to the next day on April 7, after which NRF issued a statement outlining the potential impacts on retail.
“Retailers throughout the country depend on United States ports to support their daily business needs,” Senior Vice President of Government Relations David French began. “The West Coast ports, especially those in Los Angeles and Long Beach, are a pivotal entry point to the U.S. that allow American consumers access to global products and essential goods.”
Last month, NRF led a group of 238 state, local, and federal trade associations in penning a letter to President Joe Biden. In the letter, the group called on the administration to provide support to help the negotiating parties quickly reach a new agreement, a press release explained.
“NRF is closely monitoring the situation in California and has reiterated its concerns to the White House,” French continued. “It is essential that the ongoing labor negotiations between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association are resolved immediately. We again call on the administration to engage and prevent any further disruption to port operations and cargo fluidity.”
As more port updates arise, DMN will be here to share them with our industry.
