A union of port security guards at the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach has created the possibility of a labor action.
Freightos reported on October 28 that the affected union voted in favor of a strike authorization. A labor action could begin as early as November 1.
The security personnel account for approximately two percent of the port workforce, but handle tasks across a large number of terminals. Therefore, even a minor labor action could trigger operational consequences.
A strike authorization is not synonymous with an actual strike. The actual impacts will depend on whether the parties reach an agreement beforehand.
Additionally, existing delays in rail drayage operations could further complicate the situation for import containers.