As reported in December 4, 2012 Journal of Commerce (JOC) - Port and terminal executives hope to begin mediation within the next 24 hours as Office Clerical Unit of the ILWU Local 63 agrees to accept federal mediation in an attempt to end the week-long strike that has crippled the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Although the Union agreement to mediate is seen as a positive sign, the Union advises that pickets will remain in place during the mediation process. As 10 of 14 terminals in LA/LGB have been affected and ILWU dockworkers continue to honor the picket lines, delays, carrier re-routings and congestion across West Coast ports is expected to continue.

Ninety-eight organizations, including the Coalition of New England Companies for Trade (CONECT), have sent a letter to President Obama urging for him to intervene.

Liberty will continue to provide you with updates as more information becomes available.