LOS ANGELES — About 250 union watchmen at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach could strike as early as 5 p.m. PT this Sunday, Nov. 1, threatening cargo operations at the nation’s busiest container port complex.
Members of International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 26 have authorized a strike, according to the Pacific Maritime Association, which represents employers. The employers group said negotiations are continuing with the assistance of federal mediators.
The potential disruption could extend well beyond the security workforce. PMA said the watchmen represent about 2% of ILWU workers at the two ports, but work at terminals handling roughly 85% of Long Beach’s cargo and 33% of Los Angeles’ cargo. The employer group expects other ILWU members would honor picket lines, potentially halting vessel, yard, and gate operations at affected facilities…