By Laura Curtis
On November 7, 2026, the union for around 250 security workers at the busiest ports in the US announced they will continue discussions on a new labor contract for an additional two weeks, according to their employers.
This latest extension will last until November 20, and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) noted that there will be more talks with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 26 during this time. There have already been a couple of extensions, first from November 1 to November 4, and then to midnight Friday.
The PMA stated, “We are committed to reaching a fair agreement at the bargaining table to avoid disruptions at the nation’s two busiest ports.”
The Friday deadline coincided with the upcoming closure of the Vincent Thomas Bridge, which connects the ports to a major highway, for over a year of repairs. Disruptions at the affected terminals could impact around 85% of cargo moving through the Port of Long Beach and about a third at the Port of Los Angeles, as reported by the PMA. Last month, both ports saw record cargo volumes and together manage about a third of the country's seaborne container goods.
The previous labor contract expired in July 2025. However, the PMA, which represents port terminals and ocean carriers, along with ILWU Local 26, have been in regular talks with help from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. Tensions increased recently after the union authorized a strike.
Members of Local 26 are responsible for security at six container terminals in Southern California ports. On October 27, the PMA warned that ILWU dockworkers and marine clerks—who have different labor contracts—were likely to support the Local 26 security staff if a strike occurred.
Noel Hacegaba, CEO of the Port of Long Beach, mentioned he expects high container volumes to continue at least until early next year.
“We anticipate being busy at least through the first month of the new year and possibly into the first quarter,” Hacegaba told Bloomberg earlier this week, noting that demand for cargo related to the AI boom is driving this growth.