News Flash: PMA to hold press conference on West Coast labor talks

Jim McKenna, chief negotiator for terminal operators will discuss contract talks, now in their ninth month.    Pacific Maritime Association said that Jim McKenna, its chief executive officer, will hold a press conference to discuss ongoing labor negotiations at 2 p.m. Pacific Time.
   It will be the first time McKenna has held a press conference since contract negotiations with the International Longshore & Warehouse Union began last May on a new contract for workers in 29 West Coast ports. The ILWU has been working without a contract since July 1.
   “For the past three months, the ILWU has conducted slowdowns, walk-offs and other actions at key ports, aggravating congested conditions and disrupting cargo movement in a bid to influence the talks,” the PMA said in a statement announcing the press conference.
   American Shipper‘s in-depth report on the press conference can be found here.