The Imabari Shipbuilding Group said the Copyright 2023 The Maritime Executive, LLC. The seven days after the holiday are considered a national holiday. Measured by this standard, we can all appreciate the policys success, and best of all, the fee was never implemented. Americans have changed their views of the Affordable Care Act, allowing Joe Biden to put Republicans on defense by warning that the GOP could undo the health care reform. The plans include upgrades to its current facilities at Terminal 2, including the construction of additional storage, and the addition of a new state-of-the-art ship loader at POGHs Terminal 4. The two sides have negotiated West Coast collective bargaining agreements since the 1930s and work stoppages have historically been rare. The funding will also pay for a new, more energy-efficient stormwater treatment system. In late November, the PMA made a formal request for a one-year contract extension, citing on-going supply On February 21, as the vessel was transiting several hundred nautical miles off the Brazilian port of Recife, the vessel's second and third engineers were found dead in their cabins. Phillip Sanfield, a spokesman for the Port of Los Angeles, said the Maritime Exchange of Southern California reported there were 23 vessels in the port, including 17 at berth and six at anchor. Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. The government's decision to allow entry is a rejection of concerted American pressure to deny access to the sanctioned vessels. We have always been very aware of and protected our maritime business, said Julianna Marler, CEO of the Port of Vancouver. The port said that having two shore power outlets at the cruise ship terminals will result in at least a 90 percent overall reduction of harmful pollutants(while the ships are docked) such as Nitrous Oxides (NOx) and Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) as well as a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. "We've been faithfully working, even through the pandemic, without any stoppage," said Shanklin. With ILWU-PMA contract negotiations now underway, all eyes are on the negotiating table as the two sides work out a new labor contract . Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, announced that a total of $71,488,445 in federal grants have been awarded to five critical ports in Washington state, including: Port of Grays Harbor, Northwest Seaport Alliance Port of Seattle, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Port of Olympia and the Port of Port Angeles. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion delivered straight to your inbox at 7 a.m., Monday to Friday. They cited the shortages of workers in other segments from warehouses to truck drivers saying that it is critical to maintain a vital workforce. In May, shortly before talks began, optimism ran high that the negotiations would go smoothly. The cost of shipping a 40-foot container from China to Americas west coast is now $1,400, down 93% from its peak of $20,600 in September 2021, according to Freightos, an online freight marketplace. They are prepared to meet the union at the negotiation table expecting talks will get underway by the spring of 2022. Peter Tirschwell | Sep 06, 2022 9:13AM EDT While the security guard contract is separate from the coastwide longshore deal being negotiated, officials are working feverishly to avoid a strike, given the possibility that dockworkers would honor any picket lines, thus shutting down affected terminals. "Neither party is preparing for a strike or a lockout," the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association, which represents more than 70 terminal operators. Skill and cargo penalty differentials increase pay from there. A major issue in the talks is automation of port facilities. So weve got to find that true balance between the investment in the next generation technology and making sure our workers not only advanced, but flourish in that environment. Port of Los Angeles fell to third. Longshore & Shipping News shares excerpts from media sources around the world. International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) has turned down a request for a one-year extension of its collective bargaining agreement with shipping companies represented by the Pacific Maritime Association. In fact, the contract is a miserable sellout, containing 15 percent wage increases over 3 years, far below the rate of inflation. A 10% raise across the board for the West Coast longshoremen would raise labor costs on the West Coast from $3.8 billion to roughly $4.2 billion. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, will reportedly be used to strengthen and upgrade pavement used for cargo storage at Terminal 6, located near Kelley Point. The endowment, announced on Oct. 31, by Oregons U.S. Please try again. The Port of Los Angeles diverted 40,000 containers to the Port of Long Beach in August when dockworkers at the Port of LA refused to work at the automated section of APM Terminals, the largest container-handling facility citing safety concerns. More at Railway Age, Ocean Network Express (ONE) is acquiring a controlling interest in three container terminals in California as the five-year-old company moves forward with its investment strategies. A similar project to upgrade a different track cost around $358,000 and was approved in May of 2022 after port officials stated that it would improve the railroad's overall . However, the ports need to have a 24-7 mindset" to deal with Asian traffic, where ports operate around the clock, he said. Delayed cruise departure biggest pressure point in labour dispute at Seaspan, Seaspan tugboat workers start strike after 'impasse' in negotiations, Stressed forestry communities look for B.C. It gives insight to our newer members: In this situation, what did we do in the past? And the pensioners let us know. Zero-calorie sweetener linked to heart attack and stroke, study finds, Swap meet at historic Alpine Village, near Torrance, says goodbye, Redondo in No. Now, a possible nationwide rail strike, which was supposed to be settled, looms again after two major unions rejected the proposal. As several major container ports in the US are experiencing elevated levels of congestion since the late-pandemic cargo boom, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is considering emergency measures to contain disruption. They have formed global alliances that now control 80% of global container ship capacity and control 95% of the critical East-West trade lines. Dockworkers on the Pacific coast of the United States, represented by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, are gearing up for a fierce debate as their contract nears expiry, according to various reports.With more than 22,000 workers tending to many of the busiest ports in the world, is it possible that a disruption in service could affect American agriculture? More at KPBS, In coordination with the ILWU Coast Longshore Division, four ILWU workers spoke with NPR on the impacts of automation. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) is a labor union which primarily represents dock workers on the West Coast of the United States, Hawaii, and in British Columbia, Canada.The union was established in 1937 after the 1934 West Coast Waterfront Strike, a three-month-long strike that culminated in a four-day general strike in San Francisco, California, and the Bay Area. Bloomberg News is reporting having seen an exchange of letters between the union and the Pacific Maritime Association confirming what most industry analysts expected which is that the union wants a new collective bargaining agreement with the employers. Published Got a confidential news tip? The current contract, which covers some 22,000 workers at 29 West Coast ports, expired in July and while no one expected a new agreement to be in place that soon, news of the recent hiccup will further extend the process. The Jim Pattison Group owns more than 40% of WTIC shares. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. We have enabled email notificationsyou will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Articles do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the ILWU Coast Longshore Division. We are confident that we will reach a coastwide agreement as we have for nearly 90 years.. Union and management recently announced they were unlikely to reach agreement before July 1. ", "The ILWU is working and negotiating, and we've done both successfully for nearly 90 years" said ILWU Coast Committeeman Cameron Williams. The former vice president has become the Democratic front-runner with primary victories across the country. The port has now set records in six of the last seven months. . Walsh visited the Los Angeles-Long Beach ports a year ago. More at Maritime Executive, From a Dec. 16 POLB news release: A contract between shipping companies and 22,000 West Coast dockworkers has expired. By Kurtis Lee 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. Support us by subscribing today: The Vancouver Sun | The Province. Even before the current round of backlogs and congestion at the ports, the union had been posturing for a new contract. . Health authorities in Brazil are investigating two mysterious deaths aboard the bulker Caravos Harmony, which arrived at the Amazon River port of Macap on Sunday. Along the Columbia River, those include the ports in Astoria, Longview, Vancouver, Portland, Kalama, St. Helens and Rainier. He had. In 2021, our training programs added more than 850 registered longshore workers, mechanics and marine clerks. The Maritime Executive. He points to a ship waiting to be unloaded. In January, some 100 ships were waiting to get into the port complex, but that total is now down to 60 or even as low as 20 at times, Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero said Tuesday. Since the program was announced on Oct. 25, 2021, the two ports have seen a combined decline of 92% in aging cargo on the docks. In addition to the standard issues of wages and benefits, experts have predicted that the union will likely take a strong stance against automation of port operations. Dockworkers went out on strike in 1971. After the COVID-19 pandemic began to take hold in 2020, cargo traffic to ports slumped drastically. 1 spot in processing import and export containers in August. This helps me tell my kids that theres still opportunity here in Everett, Hoekendorf said. The full schedule features long-term Port of San Diego partners Holland America Line and Disney Cruise Line, as well as Princess Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line. One member of Bidens port envoy task force put this frankly when he told an industry publication that slowdowns or employer lockouts [would] not be tolerated this year., The ILWU itself had requested a suspension of talks in May, which indicates that the PMA is playing hardball and demanding sweeping concession on automation, working hours and other areas, but the union has not even bothered to call a strike authorization vote. The worlds looking at us to make sure that were moving the cargo," he said. Were starting all over again, Schmidt said. The ILWU Coast Longshore Division represents 22,000 ILWU workers at 29 ports on the West Coast. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A group of 23 U.S. Senate Republicans wrote to President Joe Biden on June 7, urging federal intervention to avoid economic disruption. But Seroka also said he had confidence that business would return to the Los Angeles-Long Beach port complex. Meanwhile, a strike vote for railroad workers has been called in the US. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) have launched previews of the arguments . The ILWU represents dockworkers at West Coast ports in the U.S. and Canada, including Los Angeles and Long Beach. Hear the full broadcast at NPR, In March it was announced that Ag Processing Inc (AGP) had approved a major expansion and upgrade of its export facilities in Aberdeen, Washington. The finger-pointing comes at a time when labor negotiations between the ILWU and the Pacific Maritime Association (which represents the terminals and ocean carriers) are about to enter a fourth month. Officials at the Port of Seattle-Tacoma told CNBC that last week there was a small number of picketers at Seattle's Terminal 5 protesting the terminal over using the Machinists Union instead of the ILWU to perform "cold ironing", a process where ships can use shore power while docked. One U.S. logistics manager recently told CNBC they were avoiding the Seattle/Tacoma Port by using the UP to Norfolk Southern rail route to the Port of Virginiawhere their cargo was loaded on a Hapag Lloyd vessel. Bridget McCrea Download this article in PDF format. Mr. Adams has said the carriers are making massive profits off the backs of workers who risked their lives to keep cargo flowing during the Covid-19 pandemic. Published Fri, Jun 10 2022 5:18 PM EDT Updated Sat, Jun 18 2022 3:57 PM EDT. But it now appears it could be several more months before a contract is signed as negotiations have paused over a jurisdictional dispute at a terminal in the Port of Seattle. CNBC was told the vessel operation was idled for one shift and the issue was resolved. Longshore and warehouse union on strike, suspending operations at Delta coal terminal Westshore is described as the largest coal export terminal on the west coast of North America, taking coal. Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka, for his part, said during his monthly virtual news briefing last week that both sides are being nudged and that U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh was staying close to both sides., But Seroka, who was traveling this week and could not be reached for comment, told the Journal of Commerce for an Oct. 25 article that he didnt see the labor dispute being resolved soon, adding, Were probably months away.. They are taking place against the backdrop of surging imports that left backlogs of ships anchored offshore, and declining exports. This process can only lead to massive concessions. Caravos Harmony left Port Elizabeth, South Africa on February 10 and got under way for Brazil. The talks are so crucial that President Joe Biden even stepped in last month and met with both sides in Los Angeles. What are conditions like at your work place? Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. The union, which represents an estimated 20,000 dockworkers at 29 ports in California, Oregon, and Washington, has not conducted contract negotiations with the PMA since 2014. The Seattle dispute, meanwhile, involves a terminal run by a company called SSA Marine and jurisdiction of cold-ironing work the process by which ships hook up to shoreside electrical power. Contracts are renegotiated every six years, and Cordero said most have concluded without disruptions. A Thursday, Oct 27, report from the Marine Exchange of Southern California said a new record low was set with just one container ship "backed up" as of noon that day. How a 1934 waterfront strike was a major turning point for West Coast labor By Nadine Jelsing (OPB) July 11, 2022 11 a.m. Eighty-three days during the summer of 1934 will be honored forever. More at the Port of San Diego, From The Economist: The Biden administration has been watching the process carefully. More at Maritime Professional, Excerpts from the WSJ: Those economies, just completely disrupted. There is no question that any strike or slowdown on the West Coast ports by dockworkers, especially in conjunction with their German brothers and sisters, would have an immense galvanizing impact on workers both throughout the US and internationally. My News LA, The California Port of Hueneme reported a 28% increase in revenue and a 51% jump in loaded and empty volume in 2022, according to Kristin Decas, executive director. Officials said the port inspects rail infrastructure on a regular basis and has been gradually replacing its older rail infrastructure. Shane Brienen, mayor of Houston, B.C. Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. The letter stressed that the groups are entering their peak season for imports as retailers stockpile goods for the fall holidays and back-to-school items. Could congestion that plagued West Coast ports in 2021 actually get worse in 2022? These issues, he noted, reduced prices paid to producers, compromised bottom lines for ag companies, and damaged U.S. agricultures standing with global customers. The easing of port traffic and the opening of other supply-chain bottlenecks have led to a collapse in freight rates from the all-time highs reached during the pandemic. Labor union ILWU is being accused of slowdown tactics at Oakland and Seattle-Tacoma ports. "The general outlook is that it seems to be business as usual in terms of dwell times, except for Seattle's exports," Brazil said. The news follows last months figures, when NWSA reported a 4 per cent drop in volumes owing to increasing congestion at ports. Labor negotiations are about to enter a fourth month. The longshore and warehouse union at Westshore Terminals is on strike, suspending operations at one of Canada's largest and busiest ports for moving coal. For Hoekendorf, its a moment hell pass on to the next generation to work this waterfront. This project will allow us to accommodate AGPs growth and private investment here in Grays Harbor, increase international shipments of US grown and processed soybean meal, and sustain thousands of farming jobs throughout the Midwest, while creating new jobs for our community. All Rights Reserved. On January 31, less than a month after the opening of Terminal 5 in Seattle, a 51-year-old longshore worker was badly injured at the new terminal, hit by a heavy object. The proposed terminal includes heavy-lift wharves supporting large cranes to receive and handle large offshore wind components and construct the worlds largest floating offshore wind turbine systems, the port said. Dockworkers should form a rank-and-file committee to challenge and mobilize opposition to the corporatist policies of the ILWU and to campaign for support from workers in other industries. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. The company on Friday in a statement that the work stoppage will result in a complete suspension of operations at the terminal.. We continue to expect cargo flows to remain at all-time highs, putting further stress on the supply chain and increasing inflation, the letter said. New supply chain risk: 22,000 dockworkers who could go on strike. If you are a Home delivery print subscriber, unlimited online access is. More at The Dispatcher, A conveyor fire at a Port of Vancouver USA grain elevator operated by United Grain Corp. was reported the morning of Oct. 13 and brought under control by emergency responders after more than 90 minutes, The Columbian reported. All rights reserved. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Vancouver Fire Marshals Office. More at Transport Topics>, The Port of Stockton received $9.63 million for the Rail Rehabilitation & Upgrade Project. These carriers made $190 billion in profit in 2021, seven times higher than the year before, Biden said. Westshore Terminals handles more than 33 million tonnes of coal annually from its docks at Roberts Banks in Delta, even though it has been transitioning to other commodities such as potash. The contract talks, which start Tuesday, take place in San Francisco on behalf of 22,000 dockworkers at 29 West Coast ports, including the nation's two busiest ports the Port of LA and the Port. 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