Footwear association welcomes government action on dock talks
Juanita Duggan, CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), has welcomed the appointment of a federal mediator to the contract negotiations between West Coast union dockworkers and their employers, which have delayed shipments and led to intense congestion of goods since July.
"Nearly half the clothing and shoes sold in the US are imported through the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and the industry is having critical product deliveries delayed by three to four weeks as result of the labour dispute.
"With the import peak for spring season for clothing and shoes rapidly approaching, it is crucial that President Barack Obama engage in intensive monitoring of the negotiations, and be ready to act immediately if conditions do not improve," Duggan added.
The AAFA, Outdoor Industry Association and Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America were among 100 organisations that submitted a in plea for resolution in October.
