Congressman Ted Lieu: PMA’s action hurts ILWU workers, businesses, consumers, economy

Congressman Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) issued the following statement today regarding PMA’s decision to suspend all vessel work from 5pm February 6 to 8am February 9.

“Our ports are critical to Southern California’s economy, and the safety and speed which goods move through our ports affect large regions of the United States. PMA’s intentional action to close the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles over the weekend is indefensible. PMA’s obstructionist action not only hurts ILWU workers, it will hurt businesses, consumers, and our economy.

“PMA’s shutdown action is especially counterproductive when the parties seem close to resolving the remaining issues between them. I condemn the weekend lockout and urge PMA to focus their efforts at resolving this impasse at the negotiating table, rather than hurting businesses, consumers and working families.”

Congressman Lieu serves on the House Committee on the Budget, and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. He is also the Democratic Freshman Class President.