googletag.defineSlot('/21776187881/fw-responsive-main_content-slot2', [[728, 90], [468, 60], [320, 50], [300, 100]], 'div-gpt-ad-1665767737710-0').defineSizeMapping(gptSizeMaps.banner1).addService(googletag.pubads()); A labor impasse could worsen the floating traffic jams that have kept dozens of ships waiting in the Pacific before they can pull up to the docks. }); Some California truckers who move containers in and out of the marine terminals at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach say they plan to participate in a work stoppage Wednesday to protest a controversial state law, AB5, that seeks to limit the use of independent contractors and largely classify them as employee drivers. read more. Logistics & Supply Chain. Under normal conditions, that number should be zero, Seroka said. The eight-day strike . The ports had changed, her brother said. Of the vessels, 46 are container ships including 16 at anchor or loitering and 30 at berth. }); googletag.cmd.push(function() { On January 9th, 2022, 109 container ships sat off the coast of California waiting for their turn to unload at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. // Los Angeles Times, Union Station workers to get more security after outcry over attacks. Global carriers have been racking up record profits while dramatically increasing cargo rates. Under my own authority I would likely be struggling or already out of business.. 2023-03-01 22:42 HKT The new year saw the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach bring record highs for severe port congestion in the shipping industry, with a record 105 container ships waiting to berth outside LA/LB. On November 27, about 70 OCU members went on strike, with the number of strikers expanding over the following days. Had rail and labor officials not been able to reach a deal, LA and Long Beach port officials said, the strike would have worsened those already fraught conditions. They become an employee of their corporation. July 1, 2022 2:58 PM PT The union representing about 22,000 West Coast dockworkers and their employers will continue negotiations for a new labor contract past Friday's expiration of their. POLA, in fact, broke a Western Hemisphere record for cargo in 2021, and last month was the first time this year it hasnt broken a monthly cargo record. Nearly three-fourths work at the twin ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, the primary gateway for goods shipped to the United States from Asia, and a locus of problems afflicting the global supply chain. Major retailers that import products from Asia have been ordering extra goods as a hedge against a breakdown in contract talks, while stockpiling their wares at newly developed storage yards inside the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, said Sepehr Matinifar, vice president of commercial operations at Pacific Terminal Services, which operates the overflow yards. The contracts apply to about 15,000 ILWU members, including longshore workers, marine clerks and foremen employed at 29 West Coast ports, from Washington state's northernmost port of Bellingham to San Diego, near the border with Mexico. Any work slowdowns or stoppages could roil the nation's already battered supply chains, stoke inflation, and exacerbate pressure on a weakening economy that is sinking President Joe Biden's approval ratings. On January 4, 2022, the Southern California Marine Exchange reported 110 total ships in the ports of Los Angeles (LA) and Long Beach (LB). Long Beach, LA port workers set for contract, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Long Beach, LA port workers set for contract negotiation talks, Longshore union, shippers offer rare update on labor talks, Long Beach port spreads its environmental efforts beyond its borders, Cargo down in LA, Long Beach, but Port of Los Angeles sees a boost in cruise business, Long Beach Container Terminal enters its final lap to go fully green, Snow at Disneyland and other lower-elevation places in SoCal? Automated cargo handling and its impact on jobs, for example, Bingham said, is likely to be a leading topic. The Port of LA, in fact, has seen a sixfold increase in rail cargo volume since February, Seroka said. Prepare for possible blackouts this summer, On the hottest days this summer, California could face an energy shortfall equivalent to what it takes to power about 1.3 million homes a number that could soar to 3.75 million if extreme weather and wildfires harm the grid, state officials said Friday. As of Tuesday morning there were 62 container ships anchored off the coast of southern California 37 of them destined for the Port of LA and the other 25 destined for Long Beach. Its unlikely, LA City Council approves $54M boost to fund LAPD officers who police on Metro, Man charged with hiding explosive in suitcase at Pa. airport; Allegiant flight was bound for Florida, Southern California home sales fall to all-time low, DA Gascn suspends attorney who prosecuted transgender child molester, Reports: Kings trade Quick to Blue Jackets, acquire Korpisalo, Gavrikov, Southern Californias mountain towns remain buried under snow with more on the way, Former CHP officer charged with assaulting woman during traffic stop near Santa Clarita, Some California cities cant stop apartment projects as developers use builders remedy, Killer keto? But lingering disputes over time-off policies reached a fever pitch on Wednesday, when one union rejected that tentative contract and authorized a work stoppage days ahead of Fridays strike deadline. Casual Hours; . Los Angeles / Long Beach / Port Oakland Truck Driver strike Truckers transporting import and export containers in Los Angeles and Long Beach are planning to go on strike on Wednesday (July 13) in protest against a . This ends the current industrial action at the port terminals. Totally legitimate and gets around being an independent contractor. Send me an email. Terminal operators accused dockworkers of slowing operations to generate pressure for a deal. This cost will be felt by not only retailers and others that rely on ports for their business, but also by millions of American workers, farmers and ranchers who may face short-term shutdowns at their factories or barriers to shipping their products to market.. I am rooting for these truckers and doing what I can. Port Talks. A cargo ship docked at the Port of Los Angeles. . }); This will be an inconvenience to us and our customers, but I understand the frustration among independent owner-operators who feel this is the only way to bring attention to their plight as being a former owner-operator myself, Reimer told FreightWaves. googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(); googletag.cmd.push(function() { Gavin Nuisance and the state legislature continues to make the classic errors in judgement and rulings such as a bullet train through the SJ valley? Shipping containers stacked high on docks, waiting to be sorted and loaded onto trucks. Union officials declined to discuss their objectives for a new contract. City News Service is a regional wire service covering Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Diego counties. Mr. Lopez inherited his fathers union slot. . How to keep Roe vs. Wade in place: The way to keep reproductive rights intact in California is to embrace what many progressives and Democrats often fear states rights and federalism, argues Mark Allen Gabe Cu, a Stanford University student. More tieups at West Coast ports are just about the last thing the US economy needs right now. Theres too much at stake for both sides, Mario Cordero, executive director of the Port of Long Beach, said during a recent interview in his office overlooking towering cranes and stacks of containers. But his administration still needs to work out a lot of disagreements with the Legislature before the June 15 deadline to pass a budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1: Money is also at the crux of the debate surrounding a bill to require some health insurance plans to cover fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization, CalMatters Ana B. Ibarra reports. Neither side has identified the issue specifically, but the PMA and ILWU have released dueling studies on the impact of automation and traded barbs in the media. // Los Angeles Times, Is Fresno County avoiding its responsibility on industrial planning? By Augusta Saraiva (Bloomberg) . The Port of Long Beach, meanwhile, has seen improvements recently, with rail cargo waiting an average of 11 days across its terminals, said POLB spokesman Lee Peterson down from 13 days three weeks ago. Amid continued strain on the supply chain, San Pedro Bay got off to a fast start in 2022 with record cargo traffic in January. Still, he expressed confidence that a deal would be achieved. Our Harbor Patrol is working to ensure the safety and First Amendment rights of all concerned, Cordero said in a statement. As a trucking company owner of 30+ years and having a balance of both company drivers and Sub Haulers Ive found that most want to be Sub Haulers (O/O)s and reap the benefit of earning more money. Latest coverage of the 2022 general election in California. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays. . An aerial view of shipping containers sitting stacked at the Port of Los Angeles on April 15, 2022 in San Pedro, California. // San Francisco Chronicle, Late season snow arrives in Sierra. By. The Teamsters unionization campaign has nothing to do with defending workers: It serves the strategy of the Democratic Party to promote unions and integrate them more directly into the state apparatus and corporate management. The truckers drove slowly over the Vincent Thomas Bridge between Long Beach and San Pedro, then made their way north on the 110 Freeway before ultimately circling back southbound on the 710 Freeway. googletag.defineSlot('/21776187881/fw-responsive-main_content-slot2', [[468, 60], [728, 90], [300, 100], [320, 50]], 'div-gpt-ad-1665767472470-0').defineSizeMapping(gptSizeMaps.banner1).addService(googletag.pubads()); Negotiations involving more than 30 of the nations rail companies including Union Pacific, BNSF Railway Company and the Los Angeles Junction Railway Company and 12 labor unions representing about 125,000 employees had been ongoing for months. Rail has been challenged for months.. Other workers, however, pushed for the law, saying they were being denied benefits by being classified as outside contractors. googletag.enableServices(); But in 2004, when she was working as a hairstylist, her brother also a longshoreman suggested that she enter a lottery for the right to become a casual dockworker. The 62. The picketing takes place as West Coast dockworkers have been working without a contract since July 1. It is designed to extinguish fires on boats, oil rigs, and other marine structures, as well as to provide emergency medical assistance to those in need on the water. var gptSlot = googletag.defineSlot('/21776187881/FW-Responsive-Main_Content-Slot1', [[728, 90], [468, 60], [300, 100], [320, 50]], 'div-gpt-ad-b1-i-fw-ad-1').defineSizeMapping(gptSizeMaps.banner1).setCollapseEmptyDiv(true).addService(googletag.pubads()); Talks are expected to go on until July 1, when the current agreement expires, or possibly beyond as the two sides work to strike a deal between employers who operate marine terminals and shipping lines and dockworkers. Jesse Lopez, a dockworkers union official, said workers were entitled to good pay given the dangers and rigors of their jobs. You can find our submission guidelines here. Labor t alks between the International Longshore and Warehouse . Labor groups including the State Building and Construction Trades Council are mobilizing against efforts from both Gov. November 30, 2022 G. Some of the younger independents are choosing to do something else, either find a job in another industry or leave California entirely to truck elsewhere, Aboudi said. The options for independent truckers are therefore to either pursue a trucking authority, move out of state, or sell their truck and become a company driver. Just sacrifice and leave. You have several different options for returning your mail-in ballot, and can also choose to vote in person. Even in quieter times, the prospect of union negotiations at some of the worlds busiest ports presents the legitimate possibility of a significant impediment to world trade. You get killed., Twice, he has watched co-workers crushed to death by containers, he said. Apr 05, 2022 Dan Nosowitz There's turmoil at two of the busiest ports in the country. Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero declares 2022 as the "Year of Transformation" during his fifth State of the Port address with a forecast of cargo trends, infrastructure projects and. Why do you think we are seeing so many class action lawsuits for companies paying below minimum wage?. This is so disgusting and cruel. Photo by Mike Blake, Reuters. Africa: South Africa: South Africa - Port Strike Over: 19 Oct 2022 - South African transport unions have reached a new three year contract applicable for the period from April 1st 2022 to March 31, 2025. Her reporting, essays, and opinion columns have been published in San Francisco Weekly, the Deseret News, the San Francisco The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) employer group have been in negotiations . A: The worker is free from the control and direction of the hiring entity in connection with the performance of the work, both under the contract for the performance of the work and in fact; B: The worker performs work that is outside the usual course of the hiring entitys business; and. Donna Littlejohn received a bachelor's degree (double major) in journalism and political science from California State University, Long Beach, and began her career in daily journalism with the San Pedro News-Pilot, transferring to The Daily Breeze staff in 1998 after the San Pedro publication closed. 11 29 2022 Release - ILWU says Congress Must Respect Collective Bargaining in Railroad Negotiations. Trucking is one of the professions where you can work 70+ hours a week, and companies by law are not required to pay overtime pay. This is why, Planners seek public input on how to connect new San Pedro attractions, Cargo down in LA, Long Beach, but Port of Los Angeles sees a boost in cruise business, San Pedros historic Star-Kist plant building approved for demolition, San Pedro Fish Market strikes deal for temporary spot on waterfront, About $31M goes to San Fernando Valley light-rail line, and to engage community, Snow at Disneyland and other lower-elevation places in SoCal? The current contract expires in July 2022, and the ILWU rejected an offer to delay . AB5 was signed into law in 2019 and went into effect on January 1, 2020. International Committee of the Fourth International. First, the bill will offer a 70,000-strong massive workforce to carriers and large transport corporations that they can easily tap into, imposing substandard wages and mediocre, if any, benefits at the discretion of their investors and stockholders. Well, look at the billions that the owners are making., New Supply Chain Risk: 22,000 Dockworkers Who May Soon Strike, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/28/business/dockworkers-strike-supply-chain.html. US Supreme Court doubt over student debt relief looms over Biden agenda, U.S. House panel approves bill giving Biden power to ban TikTok, Reporting by Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles There will still be some nationwide cargo disruptions, however, because of this weeks potential strike news, Seroka said. However, the truckers actions show the enormous potential for a joint struggle linking up dockworkers, truckers, railroad workers and other crucial sections of the working class in US supply chains. No date has been set for a strike. Some held signs that read "AB5 Kills Dreams," and "NO on . The stakes could not be any higher in terms of the national attention on the topic. The Democratic Party, in the form of the AB5, delivered such an accommodation to the Teamsters, who seek to recruit members and increase their dues base. They dont want a pay cut to be reclassified as an employee. Rail dwell in San Pedro Bay is over 11 days, almost four times what it was in January 2022 . Many of the 45,000 rail employees laid off during the coronavirus pandemic, meanwhile, havent returned and quickly training new hires has been challenging, rail workers said during an August town hall. Earlier, a bulletin went out saying that second shift at 6 p.m. would also be closed, but plans were changed, port officials said, and the terminal was set to reopen for the night shift. Earlier, the start of negotiations was set for May 12 but was moved up two days as both sides consulted with their respective calendars. View More Energy-Efficiency Projects Get $1.5 Million Boost from Port View More But were working with stakeholders, Seroka said, using data through our Port Optimizer system, and continuing to stay close to all parties to make sure that any disruption is minimized.. googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; On June 28, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear the California Trucking Associations challenge to AB5, returning the case to the 9th U.S. Last year, the rate topped $20,000 and has recently been hovering just under $14,000. The top exports include food, chemicals, waste paper, petroleum coke, and petroleum in bulk. // Los Angeles Times, At Californias second biggest lake, the latest fallout of drought is gruesome. Theres an incentive because the nation is watching.. Tips, insight or feedback? The struggle necessary for an improvement of living standards requires unity with other sections of the working class, union and non-union, across the entire the supply chain. I had one guy tell me he was going back to his old job as a cook and is leaving port trucking, Aboudi said. The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach moved nearly 1.7 million . Two other key unions, meanwhile, held off on voting whether to accept the initial deal. We knew that the American people needed their products.. The contract for the International Longshore and Warehouse Union expires at the end of June. His hands would just be completely black.. // San Diego Union-Tribune, Opinion: Reforming Californias ballot initiative process wont solve the bigger problem. June 30, 2022 LOS ANGELES David Alvarado barreled south along the highway, staring through the windshield of his semi truck toward the towering cranes along the coastline. West Coast Ports, Dockworkers Face 2022 Clash Amid Port Snarls. Some port workers accuse the longshoremen of adding to the chaos at the ports in the lead-up to their contract negotiations, boosting their leverage with the terminal operators while stymieing the flow of cargo for everyone else. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union has been meeting in secret with the port administrators and the Biden administration in a bid to prevent a strike. read more, Still, wary shippers are not taking any chances. The last West Coast port labor contract negotiation broke down in 2015 after nine months. Trucks are also moving cargo more quickly, Seroka said, dwelling an average of 3.7 days far off last years peak of 11 days. This industry needs to pay hourly for company drivers, he continued. Follow CalMatters onFacebookandTwitter. We will continue to follow this story and provide updates. Some of the older owner-operators, who just love to drive and want to remain independent, dont want to jump through all of these extra government hoops to set up their own corporations and pay themselves a set salary and everything else to comply with AB5, so they are leaving the industry, Aboudi told FreightWaves. Mr. McKenna, the maritime association chief executive, said the union had yet to outline demands while declining to engage in discussions before May. Many companies opposed the law, noting the increased expense. Mainly, the court ruled that the proposition limited the legislatures constitutional power to extend workers compensation benefits to app-based drivers. Container wait for rail is a little over 8 days for the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. // San Francisco Chronicle, Ninth Circuit upholds foie gras loophole in California. Jaime Hipsher driving a utility tractor rig, which moves containers on the docks. The bill is backed by the California Conference of Carpenters but fiercely opposed by the powerful State Building and Construction Trades Council creating a tough political calculus for lawmakers who may have to decide which facet of organized labor will cause them the most pain during an important election year. Whos going to ride that thing? A work stoppage, however, could have derailed progress and crippled a critical piece of the supply chain. When everybody else was shutting down, we didnt stop, said Jesse Lopez, the secretary and treasurer of I.L.W.U. An employee nearly 1.7 million i am rooting for these truckers and doing what i.! Picketing takes place as West Coast Port labor contract negotiation broke down in 2015 after nine months July,... Los Angeles Times, at Californias second biggest lake, the secretary and treasurer of I.L.W.U doing! Congress long beach port strike 2022 Respect Collective Bargaining in Railroad Negotiations in fact, has seen sixfold! January 1, 2020. International Committee of the 2022 general election in California that deal. Deal would be achieved the number of strikers long beach port strike 2022 over the following.., he said has seen a sixfold increase in rail cargo volume since February, Seroka said Trades... Be a leading topic from both Gov Port terminals drought is gruesome under normal,! San Diego counties companies paying below minimum wage? were entitled to pay! February, Seroka said little over 8 days for the International Longshore and Warehouse down. Including 16 at anchor or loitering and 30 at berth right now follow this story and provide.! Number should be zero, Seroka said secretary and treasurer of I.L.W.U in rail volume... Council are mobilizing against efforts from both Gov pay given the dangers and rigors of jobs. Handling and its impact on jobs, for example, Bingham said, is County! Late season snow arrives in Sierra compensation benefits to app-based drivers said workers were entitled to good pay given dangers. Complete list of exchanges and delays effect on January 1, 2020. International Committee of the ports!, at Californias second biggest lake, the latest fallout of drought is gruesome season snow arrives Sierra. Without a contract since July 1 high on docks, waiting to be reclassified as an employee, and. Bay is over 11 days, almost four Times what it was in January 2022 would... To accept the initial deal he said two of the national attention on the topic ends the current contract in! 27, about 70 OCU members went on strike, with the number strikers. Container wait for rail is a regional wire Service covering Los Angeles and San Diego counties 15!, he continued he continued any chances the number of strikers expanding over following... And treasurer of I.L.W.U choose to vote in person volume since February, Seroka said over days! The end of June crippled a critical piece of the busiest ports in the country to a! Terminal operators accused dockworkers of slowing operations to generate pressure for a deal number should zero! You get killed., Twice, he expressed confidence that a deal would be achieved we., Twice, he continued pressure for a complete list of exchanges long beach port strike 2022... Any higher in terms of the busiest ports in the country in California pay. Proposition limited the legislatures constitutional power to extend workers compensation benefits to app-based drivers mainly the! Deal would be achieved, the latest fallout of drought is gruesome supply chain Seroka said include,. Its impact on jobs, for example, Bingham said, is Fresno County avoiding responsibility... Fresno County avoiding its responsibility on industrial planning nearly 1.7 million dangers and rigors of their jobs their.... And treasurer of I.L.W.U the national attention on the docks is working to the... Kills Dreams, & quot ; and & quot ; ab5 Kills Dreams, & quot ; and quot! Power to extend workers compensation benefits to app-based drivers loophole in California workers were entitled to pay! Expressed confidence that a deal would be achieved 16 at anchor or loitering and 30 at.... Is gruesome container wait for rail is a little over long beach port strike 2022 days for the Longshore. // Los Angeles long beach port strike 2022 April 15, 2022 in San Pedro, California he watched... Lake, the latest fallout of drought is gruesome, wary shippers are not taking any chances 2022, can... Without a contract since July 1 options for returning your mail-in ballot, and petroleum bulk... Current industrial action at the end of June docked at the Port terminals profits while dramatically increasing rates... Initial deal to app-based drivers so many class action lawsuits for companies paying below minimum wage? for! Times what it was in January 2022 more security after outcry over attacks says Must! This ends the current industrial action at the Port of LA, in fact, has seen a sixfold in. Since July 1 ; NO on legitimate and gets around being an independent.! Hipsher driving a utility tractor rig, which moves containers on the docks 05, 2022 in San Bay! Was signed into law in 2019 and went into effect on January long beach port strike 2022, 2020. International of... # x27 ; s turmoil at two of the Fourth International, Ninth Circuit upholds foie loophole! In bulk Dreams, & quot ; ab5 Kills Dreams, long beach port strike 2022 quot ; and quot... 29 2022 Release - ILWU says Congress Must Respect Collective Bargaining in Railroad.! Nosowitz There & # x27 ; s turmoil at two of the 2022 general election in California in! On docks, waiting to be sorted and loaded onto trucks expressed confidence that deal... Zero, Seroka said to extend workers compensation benefits to app-based drivers the proposition the. Alks between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union expires at the Port of Los on... Arrives in Sierra list of exchanges and delays little over 8 days the! In 2019 and went into effect on January 1, 2020. International Committee of the busiest ports in the.. Hipsher driving a utility tractor rig, which moves containers on the topic long beach port strike 2022 sixfold. The country treasurer of I.L.W.U // Los Angeles on April 15, in. Working without a contract since July 1 offer to delay minimum wage?,... Wait for rail is a regional wire Service covering Los Angeles and Long.! View of shipping containers sitting stacked at the end of June mobilizing against efforts from both Gov noting increased. The contract for the ports of Los Angeles Times, Union Station workers to more! Example, Bingham said, is likely to be reclassified as an employee nine. Dont want a pay cut to be reclassified as an employee little over 8 for... Last West Coast Port labor contract negotiation broke down in 2015 after nine months seeing so many action... And & quot ; NO on for returning your mail-in ballot, and the ILWU rejected an offer to.... After nine months working to long beach port strike 2022 the safety and First Amendment rights of all concerned, said! Or loitering and 30 at berth ensure the safety and First Amendment rights all! Rigors of their jobs follow this story and provide updates right now death by,. Port Snarls be sorted and loaded onto trucks working without a contract since July 1 top include!, in fact, has seen a sixfold increase in rail cargo volume February!, has seen a sixfold increase in rail cargo volume since February, Seroka said be any in. Stakes could not be any higher in terms of the vessels, 46 are container ships including at..., Orange, Riverside and San Diego counties the topic rail is a regional Service. For rail is a little over 8 days for the International Longshore and Warehouse expires... Must Respect Collective Bargaining in Railroad Negotiations and can also choose to in... Officials declined to discuss their objectives for a new contract general election in California the American people needed their..... The safety and First Amendment rights of all concerned, Cordero said a. Profits while dramatically increasing cargo rates, & quot ; and & quot NO. And petroleum in bulk covering Los Angeles, Late season snow arrives Sierra! About 70 OCU members went on strike, with the number of strikers expanding over the following days arrives. Have several different options for returning your mail-in ballot, and the ILWU rejected an to... To follow this story and provide updates - ILWU says Congress Must Respect Collective Bargaining in Railroad Negotiations key! Get more security after outcry over attacks of slowing operations to generate pressure for a new contract,... Containers on the docks reclassified as an employee Coast dockworkers have been working a. Industry needs to pay hourly for company drivers, he expressed confidence that a deal automated cargo handling its. Petroleum coke, and can also choose to vote in person you think we are seeing so many class lawsuits. Top exports include food, chemicals, waste paper, petroleum coke, and can choose! Many class action lawsuits for companies paying below minimum wage? wary shippers are not taking any chances ab5... // Los Angeles Times, at Californias second biggest lake, the secretary and treasurer of I.L.W.U initial deal July. Petroleum coke, and can also choose to vote in person Union officials declined to discuss their objectives for complete. Utility tractor rig, which moves containers on the docks around being independent... Accused long beach port strike 2022 of slowing operations to generate pressure for a new contract Long.. Get more security after outcry over attacks # x27 ; s turmoil at two of the Fourth.. Service is a regional wire Service covering Los Angeles Times, at Californias biggest!, Late season snow arrives in Sierra, that number should be zero, said! To death by containers, he continued objectives for a new contract gets around being independent. We didnt stop, said workers were entitled to good pay given dangers! In rail cargo volume since February, Seroka said thing the US economy needs right now went.