West Coast Ports To Open With New Contract
March 3, 2015 Following nine months of negotiations, the Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshore Warehouse Union reached a tentative agreement on a five-year contract for workers on 29 West Coast ports.
Both the Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshore Warehouse Union must approve this tentative agreement.
The Seattle Times reports these seaports handle nearly $1 trillion in cargo annually.
The agreement was reached with the assistance from the U.S. Secretary of Labor Tom Perez and Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service Deputy Director Scot Beckenbaugh.
The Times reports the apple industry lost $70 million in sales when the port slow and labor impasse began.
“If Asian markets are made to feel that Washington is not a reliable supplier, then they may stick with other suppliers in the future. Regaining lost market share can take years,” Jon DeVaney, president of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association told The Times.
The Times also reports the potato industry suffered a $34 million loss in sales – mostly French fries – according to the Washington State Potato Commission.
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