PMA CEO Encouraged About Early Contact Talks

President and CEO of the Pacific Maritime Association said he is encouraged by early contact extension talks taking place between the Association and the Longshore Labor Union.  James McKenna said the sit down earlier this month was a positive first step.

“It was professional, it was positive, I think that the word that was used by both sides of the table most frequently was stability.  And this is all an evolution from the last three contracts them self.”

Both sides say they want to avoid the work slowdown that took place in late 2014 and early 2015 that cost the Washington economy over $700 million.  McKenna said this is the first of many steps, but he is confident looking forward.

“This is not going to be a long, drawn out process.  We’re not doing a contact renegotiation.  This is a deadline.  I’m cautiously optimistic that we’ll get there, but again, only time will tell.”

McKenna says both sides will feel additional pressure to extend the contact to ensure stability and predictability up and down the west coast.  Several lawmakers including Representatives Dave Reichert and Dan Newhouse have pushed to have the two sides come to an agreement sooner rather than later.

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