An association representing ports across the Americas has praised the U.S. Government's decision to mediate heated negotiations between workers and port operators on the country's West Coast.

Photo courtesy of the Port of Oakland.

Late on Jan. 5, U.S. Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service Acting Director Allison Beck announced her agency's position on the matter between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the 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)," Beck said in a press statement.

"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."

The American Association of Port Authorities was pleased with the move, having already sent a letter to President Barack Obama on Dec. 17 advocating mediation.

"AAPA is encouraged and relieved that both the ILWU and PMA have requested federal assistance to help resolve their contract negotiation," said AAPA CEO Kurt Nagle.

"We believe that federal mediation will result in a fair and equitable agreement, and that without prompt settlement of the issues, our entire nation – not just the West Coast – could suffer long-term, detrimental economic and trade-related impacts from the unpredictability of goods movements through our ports."

In a release, the Port of Oakland labeled the move as the "first step" in breaking an eight-month negotiating impasse.

"The announcement shows that both sides understand the importance of arriving at a contract settlement," said Port of Oakland executive director Chris Lytle.

"The impasse has affected port operations up and down the West Coast and the sooner it's resolved, the sooner we can resume the normal flow of trade in and out of the U.S."

The authority said ports from Los Angeles to Seattle had reported productivity decline in the fourth quarter of 2014, which slowed trade flows. However, it is hoped that a new contract for dockworkers will help restore the flow of containerized cargo.

While the Port of Oakland is not involved in the waterfront labor talks, it claims to have taken an active role in addressing the impact of stalled negotiations, with steps including:

•    Night and weekend gates to help ease a cargo buildup at marine terminals;

•    Express lanes to speed the movement of containerized imports out of the Port; and

•    Daily status updates for customers that include reports on waterfront staffing levels.

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