FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sarah Pollo Moo 916-410-7506

sarah@calretailers.com

Sacramento, CA-- The following statement can be attributed to California Retailers Association President and CEO Rachel Michelin in response to the decision of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union to withhold labor at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. These actions have resulted in the overnight closure of all terminals, which have extended into today. 

"Retailers throughout California and the country depend on our ports to support their daily business needs. The West Coast ports, especially those in Los Angeles and Long Beach, are a pivotal entry point to the United States that allow consumers access to global products and essential goods."

“CalRetailers urges California's Governor Gavin Newsom and the State Legislature to engage in this issue. It is essential that the ongoing labor negotiations between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association are resolved immediately. We call on state leaders to act quickly to prevent any further disruption to port operations and cargo fluidity. We all benefit from the functionality of our supply chain and need a return to operations quickly. We also hope policymakers not only help solve this immediate issue, but be active participants in helping develop a long-term strategy that keeps us from being in this situation again in the future."

About California Retailers Association

The California Retailers Association is the only statewide trade association representing all segments of the retail industry including general merchandise, department stores, mass merchandisers, online markets, convenience stores, supermarkets and grocery stores, chain drug and specialty retail such as auto, vision, jewelry, hardware and home stores. CRA’s mission is to promote, preserve and enhance the retail industry in California by taking significant leadership positions in development of public policy and regulatory measures that impact members and the business climate in California. For more information visit the CRA website at www.calretailers.com.  

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