The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 26 has warned of a potential November 1 strike involving approximately 250 port watchmen at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Although the workers represent only 2% of the ILWU workforce at the two ports, the affected terminals handle approximately 85% of Long Beach’s cargo and 33% of Los Angeles’ cargo. The Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) warns that other union members may refuse to cross picket lines, potentially halting terminal operations.
Contract negotiations have been ongoing since 2025, with both sides remaining divided despite federal mediation, the gCaptian reports. The PMA says its offer includes wage increases and pension improvements, noting that full-time watchmen earn an average of more than $170,000 annually, plus employer-paid healthcare and pension benefits. Local 26 maintains that negotiations have failed to deliver meaningful progress.
The potential strike follows record cargo volumes in September, when the two ports handled a combined 2.04 million TEUs. A work stoppage could disrupt shipping, supply chains and the broader economy. As of the report, no strike had been confirmed, and negotiations continued ahead of the November 1 deadline.
