"Contract Talks Cause Shutdown of LA and Long Beach Ports"

The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have closed due to a worker shortage, which is believed to be linked to ongoing contract talks between unions representing workers and shipping employers. The closures come as cargo volumes have already dropped from peak levels a year ago, and some shippers have already started diverting cargo traffic away from the two ports. The union has been working without a new contract since July, and port officials and shippers believe the absences are a deliberate message from the union to put pressure on the talks.