west coast longshoremenCarriers Flip-flop on Congestion Surcharge – After significant industry pressure including regulatory questions from the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), steamship lines have issued notices delaying or cancelling the Port Congestion Surcharge (PCS) originally slated to begin this week.  However, late in the week, MSC as announced plans to begin charging the PCS on November 26th.

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Main West Coast Labor Negotiations Resume in December – Labor negotiations between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) will not resume until December.  In the meantime, subcommittees will continue to meet to discuss port level details.  The previous contract expired July 1st of this year.

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Death in Benicia Triggers Oakland Closure – The Port of Oakland is closed Thursday in response to the death of a union worker the previous day.  The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) is scheduled to resume work on Friday, November 21st.  The circumstances of the death are under investigation.

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