A threatened strike by security workers at container terminals in Los Angeles and Long Beach has been put off again, with talks now extended to 20 November, Bloomberg reported via gCaptain on 7 November.
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 26 represents about 250 security workers, or watchmen, at six container terminals at the Southern California ports. Their previous contract expired in July 2025, the union has authorised a strike, and the two sides have been negotiating with help from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. The deadline was first moved from 1 to 4 November, then to midnight on Friday, and now to 20 November.
What is at stake
- The Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), which represents terminal operators and ocean carriers, says disruption could hit about 85% of cargo moving through the Port of Long Beach and a third of cargo at the Port of Los Angeles.
- The two ports together handle about a third of US seaborne containerised trade.
- On 27 October the PMA warned that ILWU dockworkers and marine clerks, who have separate contracts and are not part of this dispute, were expected to join the watchmen if they strike.
- The PMA says it is committed to reaching a fair agreement at the bargaining table.
Bridge closure adds pressure
The Vincent Thomas Bridge, which links the ports to a major highway, is due to close for more than a year of repairs from around the original deadline. Port of Long Beach chief executive Noel Hacegaba expects container volumes to stay high until at least early next year, with AI-related cargo among the drivers.
Any stoppage at the two ports, the main US gateway for transpacific container trade, could delay Asian exports bound for the United States.
Source: Bloomberg via gCaptain, 7 November 2026. Photo: file image of container cranes at the Port of Long Beach.
