The Auto Care Association (ACA) announced that on June 24, 2014, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued Cargo System Messaging Service (CSMS) #14-000365 providing the trade community with procedures for potential West Coast trade disruptions related to labor contract disputes. The procedures are available here.
A six-year pact between the Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, which represents about 20,000 dock workers at 29 West Coast ports, expires June 30, 2014. Business groups, including the Auto Care Association, are urging longshoremen and their employers to avoid a dispute that could cripple ports along the West Coast and affect billions of dollars in commerce.
The negotiations are private, the contract will likely expire on June 30 and there will likely be some slowdowns around July 4, notes ACA.
“While we hope that disruptions will be avoided, Auto Care Association members should be prepared for all possibilities and make contingency plans in case of any supply chain disruptions,” the ACA said.
ACA says it will continue to keep a close eye on the contract negotiations and will provide updates as they become available. Contact Andres Castrillon at [email protected] with any questions regarding this issue.
