Labor negotiations involving approximately 250 security watchmen at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have raised the prospect of a strike beginning Nov. 1 that could disrupt cargo movements across the nation’s busiest container port complex.

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 26 has voted to authorize a strike as early as 5 p.m. Pacific time Sunday, when its latest contract extension expires. The workers handle terminal security, gate monitoring and cargo watch duties.

The union’s previous agreement expired in July 2025, and negotiations with the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) have continued for more than a year, including federal mediation.

Although Local 26 represents only about 2% of the two ports’ ILWU workforce, its members work at terminals that handle approximately 85% of Long Beach’s cargo and 33% of Los Angeles’ cargo, according to PMA.

Employers have warned that other longshore workers may refuse to cross picket lines, potentially halting vessel handling, container yard operations and truck gate activity at affected facilities.

PMA identified six of the complex’s 13 container terminals as employing Local 26 watchmen, while the union’s strike notice identified eight affected terminal locations, including facilities operated by APM Terminals, Long Beach Container Terminal, Total Terminals International and SSA Marine.

In an Oct. 23 letter to other maritime unions, Local 26 President Luisa Gratz said negotiations had failed to produce meaningful progress despite federal mediation and appealed for labor solidarity.

PMA said significant differences remain between the two sides, but that it remains committed to negotiating an agreement to avert a work stoppage.

The strike threat comes amid historically elevated cargo volumes. Los Angeles and Long Beach handled a combined record 2.04 million twenty-foot-equivalent units (TEUs) in September.

Meanwhile, nearly 35,700 import containers were awaiting on-dock rail service at the two ports as of Oct. 26, according to FreightWaves, highlighting existing congestion before any potential labor disruption.

The watchmen’s contract is separate from the broader West Coast ILWU longshore agreement, which covers approximately 22,000 workers at 29 ports and runs through 2028.

As of Oct. 28, no strike has begun, and negotiations remain ongoing.

MDM Analysis

Distributors that rely on imported inventory should watch for developments in contract negotiations and terminal operating restrictions. Even a brief stoppage could delay container availability, inland transportation and replenishment schedules, particularly amid existing rail backlogs.

MDM will continue to monitor the situation and provide updated coverage.