The port of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the largest gateways for maritime trade, have halted their operations for the second day. The largest union representing port workers, International Longshore Warehouse Union (ILWU) is withholding labor, resulting in worker shortages. Last night most shifts were left unfilled resulting in the halt that has continued today.

Workers that did attend work last night were released due to the action. ILWU Local 13, which represents workers at both ports, has officially shut down all operations. This action has occurred while negotiations for a new coastwise contact continue.

A previous contract agreement expired on July 1, 2022, leaving ILWU workers to continue without an employment contact since. The dispute has forced retailers to shift their arrivals to other ports along different coastlines. This overall can greatly damage the economy of the entire state

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Officials will continue communications with the ILWU and PMA along with local, state, and federal officials. Until an agreement is reached it is likely that the ports will remain closed. It is unclear when normal operations will continue, but until then feel free to reach out with any questions!

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