Strike at Los Angeles-Long Beach port delayed as union contract talks continue 

Maritime employers and the union representing security watchmen at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have extended their negotiating deadline to Nov. 20, postponing a potential strike at the nation’s busiest container-port complex.

The Pacific Maritime Association, which represents employers, and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union’s Local 26 agreed to allow more time for bargaining. The negotiations cover approximately 250 security workers, and operations have continued while the talks proceed.

The latest extension follows a series of short-term agreements intended to keep workers on the job while negotiators pursue a replacement contract. The watchmen’s previous agreement expired in July 2025, and employees have continued working under extensions during bargaining.

Although the watchmen represent a relatively small share of the ports’ workforce, a walkout could disrupt operations at several terminals in Los Angeles and Long Beach, the busiest U.S. container port. The extension gives employers and the union another window to reach an agreement without that interruption.

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