Negotiations to prevent a work stoppage at the Los Angeles and Long Beach (LA/LB) ports are ongoing. This stoppage could occur on Wednesday, November 4, after the contract extension is signed until 5:00 PM Pacific Time.
Details of Possible Strike
About 250 security workers at the LA/LB ports threatened to strike last weekend. This action could halt operations at eight terminals in this port complex. Members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 26 have authorized the strike but agreed with the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), which represents employers, to extend the deadline until Wednesday.
Read more: Revival of Japan's Shipbuilding Industry with New LNG Dock
Role of the Federal Mediation Organization
The Pacific Maritime Association has stated that negotiations will continue with the assistance of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS). FMCS is a small independent federal agency that plays a crucial role in keeping the U.S. economy stable by preventing, reducing, and resolving labor disputes and work stoppages. This organization does not act as a regulatory or enforcement body but strengthens labor-management cooperative relations by providing mediation and facilitation services to employers and unions across the country.
Impact of Strike on Trade
Security workers make up only 2 percent of ILWU workers at these two ports, but they work at terminals that handle approximately 85 percent of Long Beach's cargo and 33 percent of Los Angeles's cargo. PMA predicts that other ILWU members may honor the picket lines, which could lead to a halt in operations of ships, yards, and gates at the affected facilities.
The previous agreement expired in July 2025, and staff continue to work under extensions during negotiations. Security workers are not part of an agreement signed in 2023 between 29 West Coast ports and 22,000 workers, which is valid until 2028.
Container ships and container shipping costs are significant for the chemical industry, as while most chemicals are liquids transported in tankers, container ships carry polymers such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) that are transported in granules. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is also transported in containers.
Read more: Fog Season Begins on the U.S. Gulf Coast · Drax Power Station Data Center Plans Lead to £20 Billion Investment
