The Acting Director of the U.S. Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (Allison Beck) released a statement on Monday night indicating that both the ILWU (International Longshore Warehouse Union) and PMA (Pacific Maritime Association) have agreed to mediation assistance.
“In response to a joint request for assistance from the parties, collective bargaining between ILWU and PMA representatives will continue as soon as possible under the auspices of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS). We are prepared and ready to render prompt assistance. Deputy Director Scot Beckenbaugh, a senior FMCS mediator with extensive collective bargaining experience in this industry, has been assigned to help the parties bring these important negotiations to a mutually acceptable resolution.”
While the PMA had requested outside assistance from the FMCS on December 22nd, the ILWU had not yet placed a request. Both parties had to agree to federal mediation before the FMCS could step in and attempt to resolve the labor dispute.
The news that both parties have agreed to federal mediation comes four days after the PMA had released a statement indicating that the ILWU is withholding skilled workers.
MIQ Logistics will continue to monitor this situation closely and will track updates on our Ocean Freight Forwarding Market Update page, as they become available.
For more information, please contact your local MIQ Logistics representative.