Progress in talks between ILWU and Employers (Ocean Carriers and Marine Terminal Operators)

17 Jul 2007

ILWU Local 63, The Office Clerical Unit (OCU), representing office clerks at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, is negotiating a new contract with 17 ocean carriers and marine terminal operators, including APL. While the previous agreement expired June 30, the two sides have been negotiating and working without a contract since then.

Although union officials had issued a July 15 strike deadline, contract talks continue and there has been no disruption of operations at the ports. Some progress has been made in the negotiations, but there are still compensation and benefit issues to be resolved.

We can’t predict the timing of an agreement or the likelihood that the office clerks will walk off the job. However, APL and the other carriers and terminal operators in the negotiating group are making good faith efforts to reach agreement and avoid disruption at the ports.

In the meantime, here are actions customers can take during this period of uncertainty.

• Check APL.com for updates on the negotiations and the status of port operations;
• Expedite cargo pick-up from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach; and
• Contact your APL representative for information on alternative shipping gateways.

Our top priority is uninterrupted operations at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Failing that, however, we’ll rely on our global network, intermodal expertise and 160 years of experience to overcome the challenges for our customers.