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NewsLAist (KPCC 89.3 FM)October 29, 2026Los Angeles County

Security workers union authorizes strike at Port of Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles terminals

Photo: LAist (KPCC 89.3 FM)

International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 26 has authorized a strike that could begin Sunday evening, threatening to halt most cargo operations at the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. The potential strike stems from unresolved contract negotiations that began in July 2025 between the security workers union and the Pacific Maritime Association.

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Read the full story at LAist (KPCC 89.3 FM)

Why It Matters

A work stoppage by the roughly 250 security watchmen could prompt thousands of other dockworkers to honor , halting a port complex that handles 31% of the nation's during the peak holiday shipping season.

Key Facts

  • International Longshore and Warehouse Union’s Local 26 authorized a strike that could begin Sunday at 5 p.m.
  • The union represents about 250 watchmen providing security at individual shipping terminals across six terminals in Long Beach and Los Angeles.
  • The affected terminals handle more than half of the port complex's cargo, including 85% at the Long Beach seaport.
  • Negotiations between the union and the Pacific Maritime Association have been ongoing since July 2025 following contract expiration.
  • The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach handle more than 31% of the nation's containerized cargo.
  • Other unionized dockworkers could honor picket lines and refuse to work if the strike occurs.
  • The Long Beach seaport handled a record 997,177 containers last month.
  • Port-wide security provided by the Harbor Patrol and Long Beach Police Department will continue uninterrupted during negotiations.

Who's Mentioned

OrganizationHarbor Patrol“Provides port-wide security.”OrganizationInternational Longshore and Warehouse Union“Labor union representing port workers.”OrganizationLong Beach Police Department“Provides port-wide security.”PersonNoel Hacegaba“Long Beach Port CEO.”OrganizationLocal 26“Union local representing watchmen at shipping terminals.”OrganizationPacific Maritime Association“Represents operators of 12 terminals at the port complex.”