Negotiators representing marine terminal employers and the union representing maritime watchmen at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have agreed to extend contract negotiations through November 5. The four-day extension averts an immediate labor disruption that could have impacted cargo throughput across the nation’s largest container gateway during peak shipping volumes.
Contract discussions between terminal leadership and the union representing approximately 250 security personnel will proceed under the guidance of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.
Although maritime watchmen make up roughly 2% of the total dockside workforce, their day-to-day responsibilities are vital to gate velocity and asset protection. These personnel inspect and manage commercial truck and personnel access, maintain terminal perimeter integrity, and monitor critical high-value freight moving across the docks.
The potential operational footprint is significant:
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Terminal Coverage: The security personnel support marine facilities that process an estimated 85% of container volume moving through the Port of Long Beach and approximately 33% of throughput at the Port of Los Angeles.
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Volume Pressures: Both gateway ports posted record-setting cargo volumes for the month of September, driven by front-loaded holiday retail inventories, automotive components, and equipment supporting industrial AI data center developments.
Marine operations and terminal gate appointments currently remain active and operating on schedule. Further updates will follow as mediation concludes.
