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On the Waterfront: A Shutdown

On September 27, bustling ports in California, Oregon and Washington fell silent. Cartons of fresh fruit and vegetables began to wilt on the docks. Full cargo ships floated offshore while companies awaited their shipments. A California auto plant closed because it couldn’t get needed parts.

The 29 West Coast ports handle $300 billion worth of cargo a year. Last week, these ports stopped shipments from moving in or out. The shutdown is costing the U.S. an estimated $1 billion daily.

The shutdown is the result of a disagreement between the Pacific Maritime Association and its dockworkers, who are members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. A union is a group of workers organized to protect themselves against unfair treatment by bosses.

The biggest issue is a new high-tech shipping system. Union members are afraid that computers could replace workers. They have asked that any jobs created by the new system go to union members. P.M.A. officials do not think the union should control those jobs.

As of Friday, business leaders said that they would ask the President to help. Meanwhile, the two sides were meeting. "With the economy suffering like this," said union president Jim Spinosa, "it’s time to put people back to work."

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