Federal Mediator Will Now Step In

Federal Mediator Will Now Step In

At least a little positive news in the West Coast ports labor dispute — a federal mediator has been requested. That may hopefully help to resolve the labor issues that in early November began delays and big problems to agriculture and other industries shipping exports out of any of the West Coast ports. Field Reporter Greg Martin has more.
Martin: “The U.S. Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, issued the following statement yesterday on the labor negotiations between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and Pacific Maritime Association (PMA): In response to a joint request for assistance from the parties, collective bargaining between ILWU and PMA representatives will continue as soon as possible under the auspices of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS). We are prepared and ready to render prompt assistance. Deputy Director Scot Beckenbaugh, a senior FMCS mediator with extensive collective bargaining experience in this industry, has been assigned to help the parties bring these important negotiations to a mutually acceptable resolution.”
This disruption in export shipments has had huge repercussions for any ag commodity that exports. Hopefully this step means both sides are serious about resolving the dispute and getting back to work.
Today and tomorrow I’m at the Potato Expo in Orlando with approximately 4,000 attendees. It is an exciting place to be and I’ll share more in future reports.

 

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