NRF Statement on disruption of West Coast port operations

The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from Senior Vice President of Government Relations David French following the decision of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union to withhold labor at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. These actions have resulted in the overnight closure of all terminals, which have extended into today.

“Retailers throughout the country depend on U.S. ports to support their daily business needs. The West Coast ports, especially those in Los Angeles and Long Beach, are a pivotal entry point to the United States that allow American consumers access to global products and essential goods.

“NRF is closely monitoring the situation in California and has reiterated its concerns to the White House. It is essential that the ongoing labor negotiations between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association are resolved immediately. We again call on the administration to engage and prevent any further disruption to port operations and cargo fluidity.”

Last month, NRF led a group of 238 states, local, and federal trade associations in a letter to President Joe Biden calling on the administration to provide support to help the negotiating parties quickly reach a new agreement.