---
title: LA and Long Beach Ports Negotiation Deadline Extended to November 20
description: A potential strike by maritime security workers threatens cargo disruptions at the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports as negotiations near their deadline.
image: https://media.supplyrisk.com/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/Muted%20Container%20Terminal%20With%20Gantry%20Cranes-1.png
---

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# LA and Long Beach Ports Negotiation Deadline Extended to November 20

by Lauren Palmer

 November 7, 2026

The deadline for labor negotiations at ports of LA and Long Beach was extended through November 20.

The Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 26 have agreed to extend their negotiations through midnight Pacific Standard Time on November 20, postponing a potential strike at the nation's busiest container port complex.

The Pacific Maritime Association, which is the employers’ group, said Friday, November 6 that additional talks were scheduled with the ILWU union representing about 250 maritime watchmen at the ports. A strike by the ILWU watchmen, would disrupt operations at terminals that handle roughly 85% of the ⁠cargo at Long Beach and 33% at Los Angeles, PMA said. The workers, responsible for terminal security, cargo monitoring and gate access, have been operating under contract extensions since their previous agreement expired in July 2025.

“Negotiations will continue on Friday with the help of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service,” the PMA said. “PMA remains committed to reaching a fair agreement at the bargaining table that avoids disruption at the nation’s two busiest ports.”

The dispute involves approximately 250 maritime watchmen responsible for inspecting truck and employee entries at terminal gates, providing security, and monitoring cargo movements. Although these workers account for only about 2% of the ports’ ILWU workforce, they serve terminals handling approximately 85% of cargo at the Port of Long Beach and 33% at the Port of Los Angeles, according to the PMA. As many as eight terminal locations could experience disruptions if a walkout occurs.

The labor dispute has continued since the watchmen’s previous contract expired in July 2025. Union members have continued working under temporary extensions while negotiating a replacement agreement. The PMA has indicated that significant differences remain between the parties despite ongoing negotiations and federal mediation.

The PMA warned that a strike could trigger broader disruptions if other ILWU workers refuse to cross picket lines, potentially interrupting vessel, yard and gate operations at affected facilities.

 For more information

Reuters, [Employers, watchmen at California ports extend contract talks](https://www.reuters.com/business/world-at-work/employers-watchmen-california-ports-extend-contract-talks-2026-11-07/), November 7

ICIS, [Talks continue as ports and watchmen work to avoid strike](https://www.icis.com/explore/resources/news/2026/11/03/11240155/talks-continue-as-ports-watchmen-work-to-avoid-strike-at-us-ports-of-la-lb/), November 3

Freight Waves, [Strike at busiest US port just days away as talks continue](https://www.freightwaves.com/news/strike-at-busiest-us-port-just-days-away-as-talks-continue), November 2

---

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