BizFed Calls for Round-the-Clock Talks to End Strike at LA and Long Beach Ports

Dec. 4, 2012 - PRLog -- LOS ANGELES, CA –The Los Angeles County Business Federation today issued an urgent call for accelerated, non-stop contract talks to end the week-old strike that has hobbled cargo terminals at the nation’s busiest shipping complex.

BizFed also today joined with the National Retail Federation and nearly 100 other business organizations across the country to urge the White House Administration to quickly engage in the dispute and help the parties in their negotiations.

“Time is of the essence. This strike’s economic impact is already estimated at as much as $1 billion a day in lost wages, revenue for business and cargo value,” said BizFed Chair John Kelsall, President & CEO of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. “Jobs as well as our regional and national economic recovery are at stake.”

Combined, the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach account for more than 1 million direct and in-direct jobs in the region, and move 40 percent of all containerized trade in the country. More than $400 billion worth of goods flow through the ports annually, which support nearly 3 million jobs in a vast supply chain across the country.

“BizFed supports urgent around-the-clock negotiations to expedite a mutually equitable resolution and end the work stoppage as soon as possible,” said Tracy Rafter, BizFed CEO. “We know all stakeholders are responsibly committed to quickly reaching a consensus that will allow our ports to return to full operation and keep our economy moving.”

BizFed represents more than 100 business groups with more than 185,000 businesses across Southern California. BizFed members include trade groups throughout the goods movement supply chain, as well as the Port of Los Angeles, the Port of Long Beach and the Harbor Trucking Association.

“The economic toll of this strike will have a profound ripple effect across our economy at the worst possible time,” said David Fleming, BizFed Founding Chair. “A quick resolution is critical so our nation’s powerhouse ports don’t lose ground in this fiercely competitive global trade environment. Our nation and region can least afford another setback.”

The Los Angeles County Business Federation is a grassroots alliance of over 100 existing business organizations with more than 185,000 businesses whose goal is to effectively mobilize the collective voice of the Los Angeles County business community. For more information please visit bizfed.org.