WASHINGTON, DC - Disruptions have occurred on the West Coast following the International Longshore and Warehouse Union’s decision to withhold labor at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, according to the National Retail Federation, leading to the overnight closure of all terminals. As the closures remained in place during the day on April 7, NRF issued a statement outlining their impact on retail.

“Retailers throughout the country depend on United States ports to support their daily business needs,” Senior Vice President of Government Relations David French began. “The West Coast ports, especially those in Los Angeles and Long Beach, are a pivotal entry point to the U.S. that allow American consumers access to global products and essential goods.”

Last month, NRF spearheaded a group of 238 state, local, and federal trade associations in a letter to President Joe Biden, a press release explained. In the letter, the group called on the administration to provide support to help the negotiating parties quickly reach a new agreement.

“NRF is closely monitoring the situation in California and has reiterated its concerns to the White House,” French continued. “It is essential that the ongoing labor negotiations between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association are resolved immediately. We again call on the administration to engage and prevent any further disruption to port operations and cargo fluidity.”

As more insights on these disruptions and other port updates become available, ANUK will be here to report.

National Retail Federation