U.S.: West Coast port talks make headway - FreshFruitPortal.com

U.S.: West Coast port talks make headway

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U.S.: West Coast port talks make headway

Progress has been made in the U.S. West Coast port negotiations, as the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) announce they have reached a 'tentative agreement on health benefits'. Port_of_Oakland_Port_of_San_Francisco

A joint press release said the health benefits were subject to agreement on other issues in the talks.

The two parties have agreed not to discuss the terms of this tentative agreement as negotiations continue.

The maintenance of health benefits (MOB) is an important part of the contract being negotiated between employers represented by the PMA and workers represented by the ILWU, according to the release.

The contract covers nearly 20,000 longshore workers at 29 U.S. West Coast ports. The previous agreement expired on July 1 this year, with the talks having begun on May 12.

The Western Growers Association (WGA) said last month while there was no indication of any delays, some exporters were being cautious with the shipments they send through the ports.

A previous joint press release issued by the PMA and ILWU said they understood the strategic importance of the ports, adding cargo would keep moving and normal operations would continue until an agreement could be reached.

Photo: Port of Oakland – Wikimedia Commons

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