A coalition of trade associations wants the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association to start contract discussions early.
The National Pork Producers Council joined the coalition in a letter urging them to begin early negotiations on a contract extension or a new contract covering operations at West Coast shipping ports.
Those groups, which represent dock workers and the companies that own West Coast port facilities, in 2014 and into early 2015 were involved in labor talks and a work slowdown that negatively affected U.S. exporters.
The five-year contract extension signed last year expires in 2019.
The 113 organizations representing trade and agribusiness groups are asking the parties to conclude labor talks before the expiration of the current contract.
The letter says the discussions need to be continuous “to avoid actions that would slow, stop, or disrupt cargo movement during negotiations.”
