Southern California Ports Face Shutdowns Due to Labor Shortage

A dockworker shortage at the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports has halted cargo traffic, disrupting the local economy and the global supply chain. The shortage comes several months into protracted labor negotiations between the union that represents West Coast dockworkers and the industry group representing maritime shippers. The L.A. and Long Beach ports combine to handle nearly 40% of U.S. imports from Asia, and the downward trend is worrisome for 175,000 Southern California workers moving freight valued at $469 billion a year.