A potential work stoppage at container terminals in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach has been delayed after employers and union representatives agreed to extend contract negotiations.
The Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 26 have signed an extension running until 5 p.m. Pacific Time on November 4. The agreement postpones a strike that had been threatened for November 1.
Negotiations will continue with the assistance of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.
Operational context
The dispute concerns about 250 maritime watchmen represented by ILWU Local 26. The workers perform security-related duties at terminals across the two Southern California ports.
While the group represents a relatively small number of workers, the possible operational impact is considerably broader. PMA said Local 26 members work at terminals responsible for around 85% of cargo moving through the Port of Long Beach and 33% of cargo at the Port of Los Angeles.
Port employers have also warned that other ILWU workers may not cross Local 26 picket lines. Such a development could affect vessel handling, yard activity and truck gate operations at terminals involved in a walkout. The union had identified eight terminal locations that could be affected.
The parties have been seeking a new labor agreement since the previous contract expired in July 2025. Local 26 has said employers have not made meaningful progress in the talks, while PMA has said substantial differences remain after more than a year of bargaining.
PMA said it remained focused on achieving an agreement without disrupting operations at the two ports.
The continued negotiations come at a significant time for the Southern California port complex. The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach handled a combined record 2.04 million twenty-foot equivalent units in September.
The extension removes the immediate risk of a November 1 stoppage, but does not resolve the underlying labor dispute. Unless a further agreement or extension is reached, the next negotiating deadline is November 4.