US West Coast Ports Face Disruptions and Congestion Amid Labor Negotiations

Cargo operations at the Port of Seattle have been shut down due to coordinated work actions by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), which is threatening supply chains and worrying retailers. If the work stoppage continues, consumers could feel the impact, just like during the pandemic. The ILWU is demanding a big pay raise, but both sides are at an impasse in yearlong negotiations. More than 22,000 dockworkers along West Coast ports have been working without a contract since July 2022. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO has urged President Biden to intervene in the negotiations.