A large coalition of agriculture and business groups asked President Joe Biden to intervene in the west coast port labor negotiations.
In a letter signed by the groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, they say, “It is imperative that the administration work with the parties to quickly reach a new agreement and ensure there is no disruption to port operations.”
The coalition previously voiced concerns when the labor contract expired in July last year. Negotiations have been ongoing for over ten months, with little to no progress towards a new long-term agreement, according to the letter.
The letter further states, “the only way to resolve these issues is for the parties to remain at the bargaining table and actually negotiate.”
The effort is to encourage the administration to provide any and all support to the parties in their negotiations to reach a final agreement between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association.
