At Long Last, the ILWU Shuts Down the LA and Long Beach Ports

I've been hoping for a strike like this for years. It's hard to express just how happy I am to see workers fighting for their rights and making a very big impact while doing so.

Cheers, Local 63!

Strikers Have Shut Down Two Of The Most Important Economic Gateways In The World—And It's Costing The US Billions

Strikes in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach that began last Tuesday are delivering a blow to the U.S. economy.

Clerical workers from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 63 have been without a contract for 2.5 years, and negotiations between them and the ports broke down last Monday.

The ILWU has accused management of trying to outsource clerical jobs to overseas workers that are paid far less and receive fewer benefits.

Reuters reports that 10,000 dock workers that are members of the ILWU Local 63 are refusing to cross picket lines set up by 500 striking clerical workers, essentially shutting down 10 of 14 container terminals between the two ports.