The National Pork Producers Council has signed onto a letter from the Ports Coalition applauding early contract talks between port unions and west coast port operators. The letter specifically applauds the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and Pacific Maritime Association for agreeing to early discussions on a contract extension. The extension will allow ports on the West Coast to operate without interruption, according to NPPC. PMA provided ILWU with a three-year contract extension offer April 28th. ILWU voted to send the contract extension proposal to members for a vote, scheduled for later this summer. The Ports Coalition, which represents importers and exporters, including agribusinesses, had urged the two sides to begin negotiations on their next contract early to avoid a work slowdown. A work slowdown in 2014-2015 affected 29 West Coast and cost the U.S. meat industry millions of dollars in lost export sales.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting News Service.