Port of Oakland applauds ILWU and PMA tentative agreement

The Port of Oakland applauds the tentative agreement between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and Pacific Maritime Association (PMA). Negotiations between the ILWU and PMA began in May 2022 regarding their contract which expired two months later.

“Today is a monumental day for U.S. West Coast seaports. Labor peace is a commitment to continue delivering the most efficient, cost effective, and environmentally-sustainable cargo operations in the country. Asia to the West Coast still remains the most efficient route," said Port of Oakland Executive Director Danny Wan. "We thank Acting Secretary Labor Secretary Julie Su her key role in the negotiations.”

The Port of Oakland is an agricultural gateway for farm goods produced in California’s Central Valley. Oakland has also become the preferred gateway for beef and pork exports produced in the U.S. Midwest.

Port Executive Director, Danny Wan shared the excitement of the future of business at West Coast ports as an agreement is finalized between ILWU and PMA. The Port of Oakland has been diligently working with tenants and maritime partners globally to return diverted cargo back to the West Coast in an effort to continue growing local jobs. More than 84,000 regional jobs rely on the Port of Oakland.

The Port of Oakland’s work to grow jobs and increase operations efficiency throughout this period signaled to the global shipping industry the continued dedication of workers, business partners and tenants at the Port of Oakland to return cargo volumes to 2019 levels.

Together, with global and local business partners, tenants and workers the Port of Oakland is building back West Coast Ports today by investing in zero emissions technologies and increasing the efficiency of the movement of goods, both key issues that are critical to growing business in the global shipping industry for tomorrow.