Republicans Urge Biden to Aid in Port Labor Negotiations
More than 25 Republican lawmakers said they haven’t yet received a response from the Biden administration from their March letter urging U.S. officials to assist in negotiations between West Coast ports and their dockworkers’ union. In a new letter sent this week, they said negotiations have already been suspended once and they are concerned the Biden administration “does not share the same urgency raised by stakeholders and Congress.”
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Shippers and trade groups fear U.S. traders could face new, worsening logistics delays if negotiations between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association aren’t completed before the current contract expires July 1 (see 2205230044). If no agreement is reached, “experience shows that there are likely to be additional disruptions to our nation’s supply chain, which would exacerbate freight congestion and harm manufacturing and agriculture in our states,” the lawmakers said in a June 7 letter. “We strongly urge you to work with both the ILWU and PMA, and engage with stakeholders and Congress, on this critical issue.”
Although Labor Secretary Marty Walsh is monitoring the negotiations, “we are not clear about any follow-up from the administration,” the lawmakers said. “Any delays caused by failed negotiations will have a drastic cost and impact on our nation’s supply chain.” A White House spokesperson declined to comment.