White House Envoy Optimistic Port Talks to Produce Deal Soon
- Unions, employers have resolved key obstacles in negotiations
- Companies have diverted cargo after contract lapsed last July
Shipping containers on a cargo ship at the Port of Los Angeles.
Photographer: Lauren Justice/BloombergA tentative agreement covering longshore workers at the largest US ports is within reach after a year of negotiations between the union and employers, according to a Biden administration official involved in the talks.
Many importers and retailers have diverted cargo away from West Coast ports since contract negotiations began last May, worried about potential supply chain disruptions caused by labor actions or lockouts.