US footwear associations in plea for resolution to dock delays
In response to growing concerns that negotiations between the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) have stalled and are contributing to delays at the Ports of LA and Long Beach, The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America, the American Apparel and Footwear Association and the Outdoor Industry Association have joined over 100 others in urging both sides to reach a deal as soon as possible.
The PMA and ILWU have not released a statement on contract negotiation progress since August, when a tentative agreement on health benefits was announced.
A letter, signed by the US associations, stated: “Many US and Canadian stakeholders we represent are already experiencing severe negative effects of delayed shipments. Unless addressed by the two negotiating parties, this situation will soon start to have a broader negative impact on the US and broader North American economies.
“The financial and economic situation for thousands of importers and exporters who rely on the West Coast ports, and their millions of employees and business partners, rest on the timely conclusion of a new port labour contract.
“We ask that both parties recognise that time is of the essence. We encourage you to stay the course, complete the contract negotiations as soon as possible and work to resolve the current congestion issues without further interrupting the flow of commerce.”
The US Hides Skins and Leather Association and the Sports & Fitness Industry Association also signed the letter.
