ILWU & Rail Labor Negotiations Update

As we enter the third week of August, negotiations between ILWU longshoremen and West Coast marine terminals continue without disruption. Aside from the July 26th update that a tentative agreement was reached regarding Health Benefits, not much has surfaced to indicate the negotiation status. However, we have seen progress from the rail labor negotiations, which have moved to the next step. 

The required Presidential Emergency Board recommendation of the terms for the new rail labor contract has been issued. The recommendation suggests a compromise between the various rail unions’ request for 31.3% wage increase and the railroads’ offer of 17%. The compromise being a 24% wage increase over five years. 

Now that the recommendation has been issued, a "cooling off" period begins, which prohibits a lockout or strike until September 16. The hope is for the two sides to continue negotiating to reach a final agreement.  

We will continue to keep you informed of the progress of both labor negotiations as news becomes available.