Weekly News Roundup – June 23, 2014

Negotiations Continue as ILWU Contracts Set to Expire

Negotiations between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association have been underway for more than a month as the contracts of 20,000 longshore workers along the west coast are set to expire in one week. Both sides have been tight lipped on negotiations over a new contract, but will extend talks, according to the Associated Press. Billions of dollars in commerce are at stake as failure to reach an agreement could lead to a shut down of the ports, which hasn’t happened since 2002.

Crew Member Killed in Port Accident

The body of a Filipino crew member was recovered from a container ship at the Port of Los Angeles last week. The man was killed in an accident that occurred Wednesday evening, hours after the Cap Posada arrived in port.

Port of LA to Raise Cranes

Last week, the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners ok’d plans to raise 14 cranes at the Port of Los Angeles this fall. The cranes at APM terminals will be made 32 feet taller and their booms 10 feet wider to accommodate larger ships.