International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) workers walked off terminals earlier today at both the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles in a show of support for the Teamsters union picketing action.  The ILWU had previously stated they would not cross picket lines should the Teamster Union choose to take action.  Teamster drivers claim that they were incorrectly classified as independent contractors instead of true employees by trucking companies.  As contractors, the drivers do not receive the same overtime, workers’ compensation coverage, and other guarantees that employees are allotted.

The ILWU, currently in deep negotiations with the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) over a multi-year contract which technically expired on July 1, announced this morning a 72-hour break from negotiations to allow the union to deal with “an unrelated negotiation.”  This action gave the PMA cause to call in the designated arbiter, who determined the picket was illegal under the waterfront contract and thus, instructed longshoremen to return to work.  The events of the past few hours have allowed the ILWU to show solidarity for fellow unions without threatening their own negotiations with employers.

We will continue to monitor the situation and advise you of any important updates.