Shippers pressure Obama administration to send ILWU-PMA mediator

Shippers pressure Obama administration to send ILWU-PMA mediator
http://www.joc.com/print/2764766 11/4/2014
Mark Szakonyi, Associate Managing Editor | Nov 04, 2014 3:48PM EST
WASHINGTON — Shippers are pressuring the Obama administration send in a federal mediator to help the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and U.S. West Coast employers reach a contract, as talks appear to be deteriorating and Los Angeles-Long Beach congestion persists.
The National Retail Federation has been keeping the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission and the U.S. departments of commerce and transportation aware of shippers’ need for a labor contract and the easing of congestion at the largest U.S. container gateway, said Jon Gold, vice president of supply chain and customs policy at the National Retail Federation. The agencies haven’t said whether they plan to make plans to send in a mediator, nor is it clear if Obama and his inner circle have been briefed on the labor contract and congestion issues, he said.
“Most of the agencies assumed (talks) were going smoothly as there were no press blow- ups,” Gold told JOC.com today. “We haven’t seen much progress, though.”
Shippers were encouraged when the ILWU and Pacific Maritime Association, which represents waterfront employers, said in late August they had come together on health benefits, he said. But PMA accusations from that the ILWU was engaging in slow-downs at the ports of Seattle and Tacoma — charges the ILWU rejects — have heightened shippers concerns, he said.
The American Apparel & Footwear Association yesterday urged the FMC and the ports of LA-LB to press negotiators to forge a contract, citing the need to help end “untenable congestion” at the ports. FMC Chairman Mario Cordero wasn’t available for comment.
Members of Congress, many of whom are focused on November mid-term elections today, have been relatively quiet on the lack of a labor contract and LA-LB port congestion. The exception has been six California House representatives who on Oct 24 urged the heads of ILWU and PMA for a “swift and equitable resolution to ongoing negotiations. The letter to ILWU President Robert McEllrath and PMA Chairman and CEO James McKenna was signed by Democrats Janice Hahn, Alan Lowenthal, Grace Napolitano, Linda Sanchez, Mark Takano and Juan Vargas.
Contact Mark Szakonyi at mszakonyi@joc.com and follow him on Twitter: @szakonyi_joc. Regulation & Policy › Transportation Policy › US Transportation Policy