News
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) returned to the bargaining table on Monday after the New Year holiday recess. No significant development is expected so far as the negotiations had been stalemated in recent months, but there was a major breakthrough as the ILWU had joined PMA's plea for federal mediation.
The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) announced Monday that 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 FMCS. As is agency practice, the FMCS is not releasing information regarding future meeting dates and locations. In addition, the FMCS will have no further comment at this time regarding the status or substance of the negotiations.
