
Activists' Gaza flotilla efforts face setbacks amid threats and weather
Italian dockworkers threaten to ban Israeli cargo if the Gaza flotilla is blocked, amid tensions over maritime access to Gaza.
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Italian dockworkers threaten to ban Israeli cargo if the Gaza flotilla is blocked, amid tensions over maritime access to Gaza.

Shipping activity at the Port of Los Angeles has sharply declined due to the US-China trade war, with fewer ships arriving and dockworker jobs falling by nearly 50%, reflecting broader economic impacts on West Coast ports and local economies.

President-elect Donald Trump has expressed support for unionized dockworkers in their dispute with shipping companies over port automation, which the workers argue would lead to job losses. Trump's stance aligns with his campaign promise to protect blue-collar workers but raises concerns about potential higher costs for consumers due to missed efficiency improvements. The International Longshoremen’s Association opposes further automation, citing job elimination, while shipping firms argue it would enhance efficiency and capacity. Trump's position reflects a broader political shift against unrestricted global trade.

Former President Donald Trump has expressed support for the dockworkers union as they face the possibility of a new strike at U.S. ports. This backing comes amid ongoing labor disputes that could disrupt port operations and impact the supply chain.

The collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge following a cargo ship collision has led to the suspension of operations at the Port of Baltimore, resulting in 8,000 job losses and leaving dockworkers in a state of uncertainty. Efforts to clear the debris and restore the port are underway, but the impact on dockworkers, residents, and businesses is significant, with concerns about meeting basic needs and the future of the port's operations. The community is grappling with the challenges posed by the loss of this vital infrastructure.
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), representing U.S. dockworkers, has filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to resolve a pending litigation with the Oregon affiliate of International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI). The union listed its assets and liabilities in the range of $1 million to $10 million. ILWU intends to use the bankruptcy process to bring the matter to resolution and ensure the union can continue its work. The union has been facing claims of illegally slowing down operations at the Port of Portland.

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), representing U.S. dockworkers, has filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to address a pending litigation with the Oregon affiliate of International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI). The union cited financial constraints in defending against ICTSI's litigation tactics. The ILWU intends to use the bankruptcy process to resolve the matter and ensure the union can continue its work. The ILWU has over 4,000 members across the United States and Canada.

Dockworkers on the U.S. West Coast have ratified a new six-year labor contract with port employers represented by the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA). The agreement, retroactive from July 1, 2022, covers workers at all 29 West Coast ports and includes job protection, improved wages, pensions, and safety measures for approximately 20,000 workers. The contract, approved by both the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and PMA, brings an end to over a year of uncertainty and ensures the continued efficiency and competitiveness of West Coast ports.

West Coast dockworkers represented by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) are demanding higher wages and benefits in their next five-year contract, citing their role in the COVID-era import boom. The dispute over pay raises has led to disruptions in container port operations, with ship operations being affected. The ILWU is pushing for wages and benefits that reflect their contribution to the import boom, which ended last year. However, West Coast dockworkers are already some of the highest-paid workers in the country, with full-time registered longshore workers earning an average of $197,514 in 2022, not including benefits.

At least one terminal at the Port of Long Beach will be shut on Monday due to ongoing labor contract negotiations between dockworkers and their employers, causing disruptions at several key US West Coast port terminals. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union, representing about 22,000 dockworkers, has been negotiating a new labor contract with the Pacific Maritime Association since May last year. The Biden administration is facing calls from retailers and importers to intervene in the contract negotiation, which has dragged on for more than a year.

The Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach, major entry points for the country's imports, were shut down on Friday due to labor actions after contract talks between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Assn. deteriorated. The union held stop-work meetings on Thursday night, and on Friday, members either didn't show up for work or staged individual work slowdowns, causing terminals to shut down. The powerful union's latest work action is the boldest so far to sway contract negotiations that began more than a year ago.

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.