Contract negotiations over West Coast ports labor contracts are quickly deteriorating without a clear solution and manufacturers are growing increasingly concerned about both domestic and global impacts of a possible shutdown, says Robyn Boerstling, Director of Transportation and Infrastructure Policy at the National Association of Manufacturers.
“A shutdown of this magnitude would prove stagnating to the manufacturing community as it did in 2002,” said Boerstling. “During this 10 day lockout, shippers and manufacturers were faced with the long-term ripple effects and the estimated loss of billions of dollars.
This summer, The National Association of Manufacturers and the National Retail Federation released a　study　to assess the impacts of a 5, 10 and 20 day port closures.　 The study found a prolonged stoppage could cost the U.S. economy as much as $2.5 billion a day and disrupt over 400,000 jobs.　 The impact would increase exponentially as the possible shutdown carried on.
The National Association of Manufacturers and over 100 groups have　sent a letter　to the President urging him to engage both sides of the talks.　 “The labor-initiated slowdowns are hurting manufacturers and creating high levels of uncertainty for inbound and outbound shipments,” says the Association and its supporters. “Our message is clear that both sides need to make progress and come to a comprehensive agreement. This is what was promised when the contract expired on June 30　and what is needed by manufacturers everywhere.”
