US Port Srikes: Arbitrator Steps In

The ILWU Local 63 Marine Clerks Office Unit (“OCU”) remains on strike at terminals in the Ports of Los Angeles & Long Beach.

ILWU long shore locals continue to honor the OCU pickets and operations are completely shut down in APM Terminals.

Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service Director George H. Cohen issued the following statement on the ongoing labor negotiations between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 63 Office Clerical Unit and the Harbor Employers Association:

"Based on a joint request from the parties, negotiations between the International Longshoremen and Warehouse Union Office Clerical Workers and the Harbor Employers Association will be conducted under FMCS auspices. I and Deputy Director Scot L. Beckenbaugh will convene the parties for an initial meeting at a date and location to be determined."  

"Due to the extreme sensitivity of these negotiations and consistent with the FMCS's long-standing practice, the Agency will refrain from any public comment concerning the future schedule and/or the status of the negotiations until further notice."

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, created in 1947, is an independent U.S. government agency whose mission is to preserve and promote labor-management peace and cooperation. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 10 district offices and 67 field offices, the agency provides mediation and conflict resolution services to industry, government agencies and communities.