L.A., Long Beach Port Contract Ratified

Following an eight-day strike in November and December of 2012, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 63 Office Clerical Unit (OCU) has ratified a contract with the Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor Employers Association (HEA), putting an end to the months-long stalemate between the two.

“The National Retail Federation and our members congratulate the OCU and HEA for ratifying the new deal,” said Jonathan Gold, VP for Supply Chain and Customs Policy for the Washington, D.C.-based National Retail Federation (NRF). “This contract will bring much-needed stability to the supply chain, better position the ports for future growth and provide retailers the certainty they need to prepare for the upcoming summer shopping season.”

“From the eight-day strike at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to the ongoing tensions and extensions on the East and Gulf Coasts, the supply chain has been through enough turmoil the past year,” Gold added. “Everyone who utilizes the ports, from retailers and manufacturers to farmers and truckers, needs to get back to focusing on what they do best, powering our global economy.”

NRF represents retailers of all types and sizes from the United States and more than 45 countries abroad.