Source: USMEF
On Aug. 4, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union announced that its members have approved a three-year labor contract extension covering longshoremen at 29 U.S. West Coast ports. The current contract between the ILWU and the Pacific Maritime Association is now extended through June 30, 2022.

As contract negotiations between ILWU and PMA stalled in late 2014 and early 2015, U.S. red meat exporters faced severe delays moving product through West Coast ports. U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Philip Seng explains that this was especially problematic for companies shipping chilled pork and beef to Asian markets. Seng notes that the newly ratified contract extension is very positive news for the U.S. meat industry and its international customers and helps solidify the U.S.’ reputation as a reliable supplier.