During the first nine months of 2009, container volumes plunged an unprecedented 19 percent, and ILWU man-hours plummeted 23 percent, according to figures published on the Pacific Maritime Association’s Web site.
After a disastrous 2009, work opportunities this year are edging back to normal. Container volumes in the first nine months of 2010 are up 15 percent compared to 2009. Payroll numbers through Oct. 22 show man-hours on the docks up 16 percent year-to-date.
Cargo volumes and work opportunities are still underperforming by historical standards, however. Virtually all registered “A” card longshoremen found five days of work each week this year, as did most of the “B” card longshoremen; casuals, however, averaged about two days each week during the busy months. Now, as the trade is entering the traditional slow period, casuals are down to one day a week.