News
The Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), which represents employers at America's 29 West Coast ports, asked for federal mediation in its contract negotiations with the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) on Monday.
After seven months of negotiations, both PMA and ILWU remain far apart on many issues. PMA has announced that outside intervention is necessary to bring the talks to conclusion, particularly given the ongoing impact of ILWU work slowdowns, which have disrupted cargo movement at the major West Coast ports of Tacoma, Seattle, Oakland, Los Angeles and Long Beach.
The U.S. Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) said Monday that they are ready to provide mediation services at a moment's notice and the mediators will promptly reach out to the parties to determine whether and when mediation assistance would be most valuable.
Meanwhile the ILWU is taking more time to respond to the call for federal mediation.
