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

A work stoppage at the nation's largest container port complex risks disrupting over 31% of the country's containerized cargo during the busy holiday shipping season.

• •ILWU Local 26, representing about 250 watchmen, authorized a strike that could start Sunday at 5 p.m.
• •The affected watchmen work across six terminals split between the ports of 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.
• •Thousands of other unionized dockworkers could honor picket lines, potentially halting much of the ports' operations.
• •The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach handle more than 31% of the nation's containerized cargo.
• •Negotiations between the union and the Pacific Maritime Association began in July 2025 following a contract expiration.
• •The Pacific Maritime Association stated it has offered wage increases and pension improvements, but significant differences remain.
• •The Port of Long Beach reported a record 997,177 containers last month, representing a 25% increase over the previous September.
• •Port-wide security provided by the Harbor Patrol and the Long Beach Police Department will continue uninterrupted during negotiations.
• •Agreements for other unionized dockworkers at the port complex expire in 2028.