LA-Long Beach watchmen talks extended to Wednesday 5 p.m.; terminals handling 85% of Long Beach cargo at stake

Drayage carriers serving the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have a new date to watch: 5 p.m. Pacific on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

The Pacific Maritime Association said on Oct. 30 that it and ILWU Local 26 signed a contract extension through that time. Talks continue with help from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. The earlier deadline was Nov. 1.

Who is involved

Local 26 represents about 250 watchmen who provide security at six container terminals at the two ports. According to PMA, they make up about 2% of the ILWU workforce at the ports. But their terminals handle roughly 85% of the cargo moving through Long Beach and 33% at Los Angeles.

Why truckers should care

Longshore workers, marine clerks and other ILWU members work under a separate coastwide contract and are not part of this dispute. However, PMA said in an Oct. 27 statement that they are not expected to cross a Local 26 picket line. That, PMA warned, could halt vessel, yard and gate operations at the affected terminals.

For drivers, that means a strike could stop pickups and returns at the terminals involved, even though most port workers are not on strike.

Where talks stand

PMA says the sides have met regularly for more than a year, since the prior agreement expired in July 2025. In its Oct. 27 statement, the employers' group said every tentative agreement reached so far has been on a union proposal and that "significant differences remain."

PMA says its offer includes meaningful wage increases and pension improvements. It says full-time watchmen currently average more than $170,000 a year, plus fully employer-paid health care and a pension.

What to do

Carriers with appointments at LA and Long Beach terminals for Wednesday evening and Thursday should keep a backup plan and check with terminals before dispatching.