International Longshore and Warehouse Union representatives from 30 West Coast ports on Thursday voted to start discussions with the Pacific Maritime Association on a possible contract extension, according to a press release.
The PMA wants to extend the union’s 2014-2019 contract, according to the release. Negotiations were tense during the last round of contract talks, in 2014 and 2015, as the talks happened during a major cargo traffic backup.
“This is a directive to go and have discussions with the PMA and report back to the membership, and we’ll do just that, with the well-being of the rank and file, our communities and the nation in mind,” reads a statement by ILWU International President Robert McEllrath, who is based in Vancouver.
