Congressman Lieu criticizes PMA decision to continue closures at California ports

WASHINGTON, DC (Feb. 12, 2015) – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles) issued the following statement regarding the continued closure of the Long Beach and Los Angeles ports by the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA). PMA announced this morning that ships at Southern California ports will not be unloaded on Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, or Monday, when dockworkers are entitled to overtime pay. This weekend’s closure comes in addition to previous port shutdowns by PMA last weekend.

“PMA’s pattern of shutting down the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles is unacceptable and needlessly hurts businesses in Southern California,” said Congressman Lieu. “The economy is just getting back up to speed, but imagine how much better our local economic growth would be without these indefensible roadblocks. Each day, millions of dollars are being lost as local businesses – small and large – struggle to stock their shelves because merchandise is stuck at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. All parties must return to the negotiating table and forge a compromise that works for businesses, workers and their families.”

Congressman Lieu released a previous statement on the port shutdowns on Saturday, February 8.

Source: Congressman Lieu’s web site