Deli Market News is continuing to monitor the development of the ongoing port labor negotiations between the Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. In the latest update, it was recently announced that a tentative agreement has been reached between the two organizations.
The National Retail Federation (NRF) issued a statement in response.
“On behalf of the retail industry, we are relieved to see the parties have come to a tentative mutual agreement on a long-term contract for labor operations at the West Coast ports, ending over a year of negotiations and uncertainty,” President and Chief Executive Officer Matthew Shay wrote in the statement. “A new agreement provides stability to the supply chain and assurance to the millions of businesses and employees who rely on smooth and efficient operations from the West Coast ports.”
Earlier this month, NRF called on the Biden administration to intervene in the labor negotiations following disruptions at terminals at the Ports of Oakland and Long Beach, a press release explained.
“The West Coast ports are a critical artery for retailers and other businesses into the U.S. market,” Shay continued in the statement. “We urge the parties to quickly ratify the tentative agreement to bring certainty back to the West Coast ports. It is essential to begin the negotiation process early for the next labor contract and avoid a future lapse in continuity.”
In March, NRF also organized a coalition letter to President Biden that was signed by more than 230 associations, urging the administration to work with the parties to conclude their negotiations.
We will continue to report as more updates on the labor negotiations come to light. Stick around for the latest insights.
