US West Coast ports are still at risk of a strike or other form of industrial action, forcing shippers to divert their cargo to different routes, as well as to use other distribution methods, Fitch Ratings reports.
The ongoing contract talks between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) have led to a situation in which West Coast longshoremen are currently working without contracts and could go into strike at any time.
It is of little comfort to the shippers that the contract negotiations seem amicable, and the fact that cargo going through the West Coast ports has been moving without significant delays since the last contract expired on June 30.
