2012 Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach strike

American labor action March 2021 March 2021 Los Angeles and Long Beach, California, United States 2012 Port of Los Angeles / Long Beach lockout International Longshore and Warehouse Union * Port of Los Angeles Port of Long Beach November 27 – December 4, 2012(11 27 2012 12 04 2012) Employers and union agree to new labor contract Dispute over labor contract negotiations Greater job security for union members against outsourcing * Strike action Picketing In 2012, members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union were locked out by the employers at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in the U.S. state of California. This was due to issues over labor contract negotiations between port employers and the ILWU's Local 63 Office and Clerical Unit (OCU), which represents about 800 clerical workers at the ports. In 2010, the existing labor contract with the OCU expired, and the union and employers disagreed on the terms of a new contract. The main issue regarded job security, with the union accusing the employers of excessive outsourcing and the employers countering that the union was featherbedding. Negotiations would continue for over 2 years. On November 27, about 70 OCU members went on strike, with the number of strikers expanding over the following days. About 10,000 longshoremen at the ports, also ILWU members, honored the strike action and refused to cross the picket lines, shutting down over half of the terminals at the ports. Some estimates claim that the strike was causing approximately $1 billion per day in losses, though this figure has been debated. The strike ended on December 4, with both sides agreeing to a tentative labor contract. While this contract was ultimately rejected by the union in February 2013, the union accepted a different contract later that same month. Background The Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach, both located in the Greater Los Angeles area, together constitute the largest port complex in the United States,Jablon Robert November 28, 2012 Strike 'not crippling' L.A. port The Washington Times Associated Press https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/nov/28/strike-not-crippling-la-port/ live March 24, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20180602125410/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/nov/28/strike-not-crippling-la-port/ June 2, 2018 handling approximately one third of the container shipping in the countryPalmeri Christopher Credeur Mary Jane November 29, 2012 California Ports Strike Strands Holiday-Shopping Shipments en Bloomberg News Bloomberg L.P. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-11-29/strikers-close-much-of-los-angeles-port-complex-for-a-thi live March 24, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20150220053509/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-11-29/strikers-close-much-of-los-angeles-port-complex-for-a-thi February 20, 2015 and 40% of the country's total imports.Lovett Ian November 30, 2012 Strike Shuts Down Los Angeles and Long Beach Ports en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/01/us/strike-shuts-down-los-angeles-and-long-beach-ports.html live March 24, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210126060028/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/01/us/strike-shuts-down-los-angeles-and-long-beach-ports.html January 26, 2021 0362-4331Bergman Ben December 3, 2012 Is the LA port strike costing $1 billion a day? Don't count on it https://www.scpr.org/news/2012/12/03/35109/port-strike-costing-billion-dollars-day-dont-count/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20210324050208/https://www.scpr.org/news/2012/12/03/35109/port-strike-costing-billion-dollars-day-dont-count/ March 24, 2021 March 24, 2021 KPCC In the early 2010s, about 800 clerical workers at these facilities were members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 63 Office and Clerical Unit (OCU).Koren James Rufus November 27, 2012 Port Clerks Strike Could Spread https://labusinessjournal.com/news/2012/nov/27/port-clerks-strike-could-spread/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20140907102837/http://www.labusinessjournal.com/news/2012/nov/27/port-clerks-strike-could-spread/ September 7, 2014 March 24, 2021 Los Angeles Business JournalKoren James Rufus November 28, 2012 Clerk Strike Widens at Port of L.A. https://labusinessjournal.com/news/2012/nov/28/clerk-strike-widens-port-l/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20190628150531/http://labusinessjournal.com/news/2012/nov/28/clerk-strike-widens-port-l/ June 28, 2019 March 24, 2021 Los Angeles Business Journal Additionally, approximately 10,000 longshoremen at the ports were also represented by the ILWU.White Ronald D. December 2, 2012 Port-strike talks continue even on Sunday, but stalemate goes on https://www.latimes.com/business/la-xpm-2012-dec-02-la-fi-mo-ports-strike-continues-20121202-story.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20200603203103/https://www.latimes.com/business/la-xpm-2012-dec-02-la-fi-mo-ports-strike-continues-20121202-story.html June 3, 2020 March 24, 2021 Los Angeles Times en-US On June 30, 2010,Roe Mike November 28, 2012 UPDATE: Clerical workers strike at Port of Los Angeles' Pier 400 https://www.scpr.org/blogs/news/2012/11/28/11268/clerical-workers-strike-port-los-angeless-pier-400/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20180703020624/https://www.scpr.org/blogs/news/2012/11/28/11268/clerical-workers-strike-port-los-angeless-pier-400/ July 3, 2018 March 24, 2012 KPCC the labor contract between the OCU and employers at the harbor expired, with the two entities negotiating a new contract. However, the two sides disagreed over the contents of the contract, with the union arguing for greater job security, alleging that the employers were trying to outsource the clerical jobs, which was denied by the employers. OCU president John Fageaux alleged specifically that 51 permanent positions at the port had been eliminated over the previous 5 years, with the companies planning to eliminate an additional 76 positions. The port employers countered that the union was engaging in featherbedding.Coleman Korva November 30, 2012 California Dock Strike Widens, Slows Imports From Asia https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2012/11/30/166231417/california-dock-strike-widens-slows-imports-from-asia live https://web.archive.org/web/20150829142413/http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2012/11/30/166231417/california-dock-strike-widens-slows-imports-from-asia August 29, 2015 March 24, 2021 NPR en Negotiations would continue for the next two years without results. Course of the strike On November 27, 2012, about 70 clerical workers at the Port of Los Angeles,November 28, 2012 Strike Idles Busiest Pier at Port of Los Angeles https://labusinessjournal.com/news/2012/nov/28/strike-idles-busiest-pier-port-los-angeles/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20150311023531/http://labusinessjournal.com/news/2012/nov/28/strike-idles-busiest-pier-port-los-angeles/ March 11, 2015 March 24, 2021 Los Angeles Business Journal all OCU members, went on strike. The union members worked for APM Terminals, a company that operates Pier 400 at the port. Longshoremen at the pier, also members of the ILWU, honored the strike action and as a result, the port was shut down. Later that day, an arbitrator stated that the longshoremen should not honor the strike, but the longshoremen continued to do so, appealing the arbitrator's ruling to a senior arbitrator. Picketing also commenced at the port. The following day, the strike expanded, shutting down 6 of the 7 terminals at the Port of Los Angeles and 3 of the 6 terminals at the Port of Long Beach. Following this, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa sent a letter to both the union and representatives for the employers, urging them to resume negotiations.Koren James Rufus November 29, 2012 Retailers Want Federal Intervention in Port Strike https://labusinessjournal.com/news/2012/nov/29/ships-diverted-port-strike-continues/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20200813112855/https://labusinessjournal.com/news/2012/nov/29/ships-diverted-port-strike-continues/ August 13, 2020 March 24, 2021 Los Angeles Business JournalPamer Melissa November 29, 2012 Work at Near Standstill as Strike at Ports Continues https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/cargo-ships-stacking-up-at-ports-as-strike-continues-los-angeles-long-beach/1943346/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20201129174139/https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/cargo-ships-stacking-up-at-ports-as-strike-continues-los-angeles-long-beach/1943346/ November 29, 2020 March 24, 2021 KNBC en-US Speaking to the Associated Press that same day, a spokesperson for the Port of Los Angeles stated that the strike was "not crippling the port by any means". However, a report by KPCC on November 29 stated that there were 18 cargo ships in the area that were docked and not being serviced.Watt Brian November 29, 2012 UPDATE: Union strike at Port of Los Angeles enters 3rd day https://www.scpr.org/blogs/news/2012/11/29/11301/strike-port-los-angeless-pier-400-enters-third-day/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20210324195130/https://www.scpr.org/blogs/news/2012/11/29/11301/strike-port-los-angeless-pier-400-enters-third-day/ March 24, 2021 March 24, 2021 KPCC That same day, the Los Angeles Business Journal stated that U.S. Representatives Judy Chu, Janice Hahn, and Grace Napolitano (all members of the Democratic Party) had voiced their support for the striking workers, while Bloomberg News stated that the National Retail Federation was asking U.S. President Barack Obama to intervene in the labor dispute and also claimed that, if the strike continued, ships originally intended for the ports may instead divert to other ports along the West Coast, significantly increasing shipping costs. By that time, three ships had already diverted, with two traveling to the Port of Oakland in California and one traveling to the Port of Ensenada in Mexico. On the night of November 29, the two sides returned to contract negotiations. On December 2, following four consecutive days of negotiations, Villaraigosa sent a letter to the employers and union urging them to seek out mediation to resolve the dispute.Sumers Brian December 2, 2012 Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach strike rolls on as negotiations continue https://www.dailybreeze.com/20121202/port-of-los-angeleslong-beach-strike-rolls-on-as-negotiations-continue live https://web.archive.org/web/20210324053137/https://www.dailybreeze.com/2012/12/02/port-of-los-angeleslong-beach-strike-rolls-on-as-negotiations-continue/ March 24, 2021 March 24, 2021 Daily Breeze en-US Around this same time, estimates put the economic impact of the strike at almost $1 billion per day,Palmeri Christopher December 4, 2012 Striking L.A. Port Clerks Cost U.S. $1 Billion a Day en Bloomberg News Bloomberg L.P. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-12-04/striking-l-a-port-clerks-cost-u-s-1-billion-a-day live March 24, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20171118124758/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-12-04/striking-l-a-port-clerks-cost-u-s-1-billion-a-day November 18, 2017December 4, 2012 Workers At Ports Of LA, Long Beach Resume Work Following 8-Day Strike https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2012/12/04/workers-employers-approve-contract-to-end-strike-at-ports-of-la-long-beach/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20150912234514/http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2012/12/04/workers-employers-approve-contract-to-end-strike-at-ports-of-la-long-beach/ September 12, 2015 March 24, 2021 KCAL-TV en-US a figure disputed by international economist Jock O'Connell.Badkar Mamta December 3, 2012 Strikers Have Shut Down Two Of The Most Important Economic Gateways In The World—And It's Costing The US Billions https://www.businessinsider.com/economic-impact-of-la-and-long-beach-port-strikes-2012-12 live https://web.archive.org/web/20201112032227/https://www.businessinsider.com/economic-impact-of-la-and-long-beach-port-strikes-2012-12?r=US&IR=T November 12, 2020 March 24, 2021 Business Insider Insider Inc.Hyatt James Bryson December 5, 2012 LA Port Strike: 'A Billion Here, A Billion There...' https://www.huffpost.com/entry/la-port-strike-billion-dollars_b_2240509 live https://web.archive.org/web/20210324053655/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/la-port-strike-billion-dollars_b_2240509 March 24, 2021 March 24, 2021 The Huffington Post AOL en The following day, the mayor held a meeting between the two sides to discuss an end to the dispute, and on December 4, the Associated Press reported that White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said that the president was watching the situation closely.December 4, 2012 White House joins Los Angeles mayor in calling for a quick end to port strike KPCC Associated Press https://www.scpr.org/blogs/news/2012/12/04/11379/white-house-joins-los-angles-mayor-calling-quick-e/ live March 26, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210326014037/https://www.scpr.org/blogs/news/2012/12/04/11379/white-house-joins-los-angles-mayor-calling-quick-e/ March 26, 2021 On December 4, Villaraigosa announced that both sides had agreed to Federal mediation, with a union representative stating that the strike would still continue.December 4, 2012 UPDATE: LA Mayor: Federal mediator to join LA port strike talks (photos) https://www.scpr.org/blogs/news/2012/12/04/11381/la-mayor-announces-federal-mediator-join-los-angel/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20210324195304/https://www.scpr.org/blogs/news/2012/12/04/11381/la-mayor-announces-federal-mediator-join-los-angel/ March 24, 2021 March 24, 2021 KPCC By this point in the strike, 17 ships originally bounded for the twin ports had been diverted to other ports.Lopez Ricardo Hamilton Walter December 4, 2012 Mexico port picks up slack from strike at L.A., Long Beach complex https://www.latimes.com/business/la-xpm-2012-dec-04-la-fi-port-ensenada-20121204-story.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20130625143757/http://articles.latimes.com/2012/dec/04/business/la-fi-port-ensenada-20121204 June 25, 2013 March 26, 2021 Los Angeles Times en-US Later that night, around 10:30 p.m., Villaraigosa announced that both sides had agreed to end the strike, with workers returning to work the following day. The agreement included a proposed labor contract that would require subsequent ratification by the union, with both sides optimistic that the contract would be approved.Rogers John December 5, 2012 L.A. ports reopen after crippling 8-day strike ends USA Today Gannett Associated Press https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/12/05/port-strike-ends/1747551/ dead March 24, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20201201144855/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/12/05/port-strike-ends/1747551/ December 1, 2020 Details of the contract were not made public.Lennard Natasha December 5, 2012 LA, Long Beach Ports strike ends https://www.salon.com/2012/12/05/la_long_beach_ports_strike_ends/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20210309185912/https://www.salon.com/2012/12/05/la_long_beach_ports_strike_ends/ March 9, 2021 March 24, 2021 Salon en The deal, which was set to last until 2016, was reached shortly before Federal mediators arrived.Lovett Ian December 5, 2012 Los Angeles and Long Beach Ports to Reopen After 8-Day Strike en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/06/us/los-angeles-and-long-beach-ports-to-reopen-after-strike.html live March 24, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210307014844/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/06/us/los-angeles-and-long-beach-ports-to-reopen-after-strike.html March 7, 2021 0362-4331 At 8 days, this strike was the longest one at the ports since a 10-day long labor dispute in 2002. In February 2013, however, the tentative contract was rejected by the union, raising concerns over possible continuing strike action.Meeks Karen Robes February 8, 2013 Operations remain normal at Los Angeles, Long Beach ports after clerical workers reject contract https://www.presstelegram.com/general-news/20130208/operations-remain-normal-at-los-angeles-long-beach-ports-after-clerical-workers-reject-contract live https://web.archive.org/web/20200920232945/https://www.presstelegram.com/2013/02/08/operations-remain-normal-at-los-angeles-long-beach-ports-after-clerical-workers-reject-contract/ September 20, 2020 March 26, 2021 Press-Telegram Los Angeles Newspaper Group en-USLee Wendy February 11, 2013 LA Ports: Workers reject contract, possibility of another strike https://www.scpr.org/news/2013/02/11/35913/clerical-workers-reject-tentative-contract-ended-w/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20130211231423/http://www.scpr.org/news/2013/02/11/35913/clerical-workers-reject-tentative-contract-ended-w/ February 11, 2013 March 24, 2021 KPCC However, by February 20, the union voted to approve a new contract between the OCU and employers.Lee Wendy February 21, 2013 Clerical workers at the ports of LA & Long Beach approve contract https://www.scpr.org/news/2013/02/21/36047/clerical-workers-ports-la-and-long-beach-approve-c/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20210326021140/https://www.scpr.org/news/2013/02/21/36047/clerical-workers-ports-la-and-long-beach-approve-c/ March 26, 2021 March 26, 2021 KPCC References Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach strike Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach strike Category:Labor disputes led by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Category:Labor disputes in California Category:Maritime labor disputes in the United States Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach strike Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach strike Category:2010s strikes in the United States