Longshore workers worldwide are experiencing firsthand the rapidly changing shipping industry. On the US West Coast, we have witnessed the biggest impact on terminals that handle containers and accommodate the new generation of mega-ships.
A mega-ship can discharge two to three times the cargo for which the existing infrastructure was built. With the ports’ physical footprints essentially staying the same, the ILWU and other stakeholders continue to seek solutions to the bottlenecks that result.
Complicating matters, containers on any given ship no longer share a common origin and destination. When ships arrive with boxes from several carriers that are bound for different terminals, the burden of sorting containers falls on US terminals. Block stowage overseas on the loading end would reduce sorting on West Coast terminals and help accomplish everyone’s goal of speeding cargo movement.
As the employer adjusts to the changing landscape, longshoremen continue our job of working as directed by management, while also working together on solutions. We have adapted as a workforce to ever-growing ships.
On the legislative front, we support funding for dredging and rail connectors, and have lobbied for Harbor Maintenance Tax funds to improve West Coast ports. We continually evaluate proposals to invest in public infrastructure and maritime jobs, and support those that are worthy. We work extended gate hours when facility managers hire us to do so, and we believe this practice should be increased to alleviate congestion.
As ports adapt to the new era of shipping, decisions over terminal operations must remain in the hands of the parties to the ILWU-Pacific Maritime Association collective bargaining agreement that has made West Coast ports successful since 1934. Changes that successfully address productivity, safety, and other concerns are collaborative efforts between labor and management. This relationship between management and labor will continue to adapt together as we have for more than 80 years.