Statement by FMCS Acting Director Allison Beck On a Tentative Agreement Between The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) And the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA)

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Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service

Feb 20, 2015, 10:40 ET

WASHINGTON, Feb. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service Acting Director Allison Beck today issued the following statement on a tentative agreement reached between representatives of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association covering operations at 29 U.S. ports on the Pacific coast:

"I am extremely pleased to announce today that after extensive negotiations and mediation provided by the FMCS and with the support and assistance of Secretary of Labor Tom Perez, Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, representatives of the ILWU and PMA have tentatively agreed to a new contract, resolving all outstanding issues that divided them and that have affected operations at U.S. west coast ports. Due to the complexity of the issues the parties had to address, these have been lengthy and at times difficult negotiations. The parties persevered over a long and challenging process and were ultimately successful in averting any further situations that could have been disruptive to shipping operations and to the nation's economy."

"As a result of their efforts, shippers can expect that normal operations will be restored as soon as possible at our nation's west coast ports. At the FMCS, we are proud and honored that we were able to assist the parties and contribute to this successful negotiation."

"I want especially to acknowledge the extraordinary contributions of FMCS Deputy Director Scot Beckenbaugh, who led our Agency's efforts in assisting the ILWU and PMA in their negotiation, and I especially want to thank Secretary Perez and Secretary Pritzker for their leadership these past few days. We are grateful for their efforts and for their commitment to bringing this significant negotiation to a positive resolution.

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, created in 1947, is an independent U.S. government agency whose mission is to preserve and promote labor-management peace and cooperation. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 10 district offices and more than 60 field offices, the agency provides mediation and conflict resolution services to industry, government agencies and communities.

Web site: www.fmcs.gov

SOURCE Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service