Ports Contract Eases Trade Concerns

A contract agreement between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association has eased trade concerns.  The two ratified a three-year extension to the labor contract for workers at 29 ports on the West Coast.  Friday’s announcement comes as a sigh of relief for U.S. importers and exports.

In 2014 and 2015, shippers faced major delays during a long-running contract dispute that led to a worker strike.  Washington’s Dave Reichert, chairman of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, says the agreement brings “greater confidence to the countless farmers, workers and businesses that suffered millions in losses during the ports slowdown.”

The U.S. Meat Export Federation says the contract extension “helps ensure that the United States will continue to live up to its reputation as a reliable red meat supplier.”

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com