According to the Los Angeles Times, President Obama has ordered his labor secretary, Thomas Perez, to try and spur the close of the ongoing contentious negotiations between the ILWU and PMA, which left the ports at a standstill this past weekend. Vice President of Supply Chain Jonathan Gold of the National Retail Federation issued a statement on Wednesday, February 11, calling on the White House to intervene.
With 32 ships waiting at anchor Saturday morning, the White House answered the call, sending Perez to California in an effort to avoid the costly shutdown of 29 West coast ports, reported the Los Angeles Times.
Congressman Alan Lowenthal, representing California’s 47th District, issued a statement Monday regarding the White House announcement that Labor Secretary Perez would travel to California to help the ILWU and PMA resolve their contract dispute.
“I am extremely encouraged that the Secretary is going to California to help resolve the West Coast negotiations. Both the ILWU and the PMA have said they see a pathway to a settlement that will benefit both sides,” he said.
“The ILWU and the PMA should be applauded for getting this close to a final deal,” he continued. “Now, with the help of Secretary Perez, I hope they can quickly close the deal and get a new contract done. This is a positive step, not just for the ILWU and PMA, but for the nation.”