The Western Growers Association (WGA) has said it has no indication as yet about potential delays or strikes in U.S. West Coast ports, but said exporters were being cautious with their shipments. 

Negotiations are ongoing between the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), with the contract having expired on Tuesday afternoon.

WGA director for international trade and transportation Ken Gilliand told www.freshfruitportal.com his understanding was that negotiations were continuing, but many people who use the ports were on edge.

"I have not seen any threat of walking out of the negotiations or an immediate strike looming out there, but that's always in the back of our minds," Gilliand said.

He added the potential for delays was a big concern for him since a lot of WGA members were involved in perishable commodities that could not withstand a port strike.

"We’re being very cautious on it. Shippers are just careful when they're evaluating export shipments, because they don't want to get a special pack, get it down to the port and then have it tied up in a lock-out," Gilliand said.

Gilliand went on to say he didn't know of a feasible alternative if produce could not be moved through West Coast ports.

"I don’t know if the Gulf ports might offer some kind of a service. But then, when you're dealing with a highly perishable product, the transit times just might not make it conducive," he said.

Gilliand also said he was not sure how long the talks might go on for, but if progress was not made in the next couple of weeks that would be a worrying sign.

"It's questionable. I think as long as some progress is being made they'll continue talking, and I think if both sides are making a good faith effort then hopefully that will avoid the union taking the position that they need to call a strike," he said.

"If we go into this negotiation for a couple of weeks and they're not making headway it would be an indication to us we might see a strike happen."

Joint statement

A joint PMA and ILWU press release issued on Tuesday evening said negotiations for a new labor contract covering nearly 20,000 dockworkers at the 29 West Coast ports will continue to move forward.

The statement said while there would be no contract extension, cargo would keep moving and normal operations would continue at the ports until an agreement could be reached between the two parties

It added both sides understood the strategic importance of the ports to the local, regional and U.S. economies, and were mindful of the need to finalize a new coast-wide contract as soon as possible to ensure continuing confidence in the West Coast ports, and avoid any disruption to the jobs and commerce they support.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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