The Pacific Maritime Association and ILWU Local 26 have extended their contract through 20 November, with further talks scheduled for the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports. PMA announced the development on 6 November 2026.
The extension replaces the previous deadline of midnight Pacific Time on Friday, 6 November. It creates more negotiating time, while a final labour settlement remains outstanding.
A small workforce with a critical role
The dispute concerns approximately 250 maritime watchmen, according to PMA’s earlier update on 4 November. They represent roughly 2% of the ILWU workforce at the two ports.
The employers’ association said a strike could put operations at risk at terminals handling about 85% of Long Beach cargo and 33% of Los Angeles cargo. These figures describe potential exposure to disruption.
Record volumes provide the backdrop
Los Angeles handled 1,042,652 TEUs in September, its highest monthly total, the port authority announced on 9 October. These are previously released September figures, providing context for the scale of activity behind the current negotiations rather than a new cargo report.
Loaded imports accounted for 545,696 TEUs and loaded exports for 125,751 TEUs. In that earlier announcement, the port linked elevated throughput to inventory replenishment and difficulties on other international trade routes. Against that backdrop, continued negotiations reduce an immediate threat to cargo flows, while the parties still need to reach a lasting agreement.