洛杉矶长滩港安保合同到期，罢工风险逼近

Photo: © Stevanovicigor | Dreamstime.com

By Charlotte Goldstone

30 October 2026

The US ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach face potential disruption from Sunday, as around 250 security workers, represented by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 26, prepare for strike action amid the ongoing labour dispute.

The latest labour contract extension will expire at 5pm Pacific Time on Sunday, negotiations on an extension or new deal, between the union and employers represented by the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), continue – no strike has yet been confirmed.

However, the impact of such action would extend well beyond the security workforce. According to the PMA, approximately 85% of all container cargo at Long Beach and 33% at Los Angeles passes through the terminals employing the affected workers.

The concern is that, as industry consultant Lars Jensen pointed out, traditionally other ILWU members will not cross picket lines, potentially bringing operations at affected terminals to a standstill.

“Hence this impacts a significant part of operations,” he added, noting there was also a risk that the disruption could spread across more operations.

The threat comes as the South California port complex is handling record volumes. LA/LB processed an average of 68,000 teu a day in September, according to Mr Jensen, meaning even a short strike could quickly create bottlenecks for landside trucking and arriving vessels.

Meanwhile, inland rail congestion is already adding pressure. CargoTrans reported that, on Monday, approximately 35,700 containers were awaiting rail transportation, including around 10,500 that had been at terminals for nine days or longer.

CargoTrans advised customers with released cargo at the ports to collect it before this Sunday evening and “allow flexibility in delivery schedules”, particularly for rail shipments.

And further logistical challenges are approaching: the Vincent Thomas Bridge is scheduled to close from 7 November for approximately 16 months, potentially lengthening drayage journeys through the port complex.

Plus there is an ‘international dockworker day of action’ today, 30 October, with the Palestinian-led BDS movement reporting that more than 25 unions across 22 countries are planning strikes, demonstrations, or other action in protest against war and militarisation.

The action, endorsed by 17 Palestinian trade unions and confederations, includes 24-hour strikes in France, Italy, India, Greece, and Turkey, alongside demonstrations and rallies at ports and in cities across four continents.

Markos Bekris, president of Greek dockworkers’ union ENEDEP, said: “Dockworkers do not work for war.”

The campaigners want an end to militarisation and military relations with Israel, citing the conflict in Gaza.

While the international campaign is separate from the ILWU Local 26’s dispute, both developments highlight the potential for labour action to affect port operations and international supply chains.

At the time of writing, negotiations at Los Angeles and Long Beach are ongoing, with no strike yet confirmed.