California Port Strike Possible
From the Western Ag Network, I’m Bob Larson. Security workers at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are threatening to strike if they don’t get a contract agreement this week.
Dan Halstrom, president and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation, said the two ports are vital for U.S. beef and pork exports …
HALSTROM … “And while this is just a small fraction of the total workforce, other union employees such as longshoremen and marine clerks will likely not cross picket lines. So, the two parties need to reach an agreement on a new contract, or we could be looking at a widespread shutdown affecting the entire port complex."
Halstrom says about two-thirds of our waterborne beef exports and about half of our waterborne pork exports pass through the West Coast ports ..
HALSTROM … “And while the Port of Oakland handles the highest volume of red meat shipments, the Southern California ports account for about 25% of our total waterborne exports. So USMEF is hopeful that the impasse can be resolved quickly and a new contract can be agreed to.”
However, Halstrom says in the meantime …
HALSTROM … “We are already seeing congestion build up at the Southern California ports, and the last thing we need, especially at this time of year, is a work stoppage to make the situation worse.”
Halstrom says the union had set a November 1 strike deadline, but both sides agreed over the weekend to extend contract negotiations through Wednesday.
