Historically the business of loading and unloading ships is a cost plus based industry. The more longshoremen employed the more money made, which is why stevedore companies (not owned by steamship companies) do not mind adding extra men when “forced” to by the Union.
According to a recent JOC article the hours paid to longshoremen in LA/LB is up 20%. That means the profits of the employers of longshoremen is also up 20%, which is why you do not hear the PMA complaining about not having a contract.
The union is also happy without a contract, their hours are up 20%, and casuals are working every day.
Neither side is talking about what they are doing.
At this point they must be sawing sawdust. There is not that much to talk about, and they have been dong so since May 12th.
Big Bob and his crew has shown they are willing to go over 2 years without a contract, based on the recently ratified PNW Grain Agreement.
Will the PMA member companies customers allow PMA to drag this out for the next 2 years, until the ACA tax on benefits kicks in?
Or, is the entire Transportation Industry going to cry all the way to the bank?