Fears a strike at San Pedro Bay ports could see congestion

Concern is rising among cargo owners and logistics providers that a strike at the Los Angeles/Long Beach port complex could turbo-charge the congestion there.

About 250 watchmen, who perform security-related duties at container terminals at the twin ports, are poised to walk off the job at 5pm Pacific time on Wednesday, should last-minute contract negotiations between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) fail to reach agreement.

Watchmen have been working under contract extensions since the agreement expired in July 2025. Union members had authorised a strike for 1 November, but both sides agreed to extend negotiations until 4 November.

According to the PMA, a work stoppage would affect 85% of the container traffic at the port of Long Beach and 33% at Los Angeles.

This story was originally published by The Loadstar. Read the full story at The Loadstar →