Issue link: https://pma.uberflip.com/i/963018
A Local 13 longshore worker unloads steel pipes at Pasha Stevedoring Terminal at the Port of Los Angeles. exceeding shippers' expectations. Working together, we have the opportunity to spur growth on the West Coast waterfront; this growth will have positive ripple effects on the communities surrounding the ports, the nation, and markets around the world. And that message has already been heard. The National Retail Federation hailed the agreement as a "remarkable sign of good faith on the part of both labor and management," declaring that the extension "will provide the stability and predictability that NRF's members and other supply chain stakeholders need to move their cargo efficiently through our ports." The executive director of the Agriculture Transportation Coalition said the contract extension was "highly valued and appreciated by AgTC members." The executive director of the Port of Los Angeles said, "The certainty that comes with the contract is great news…" A Seattle Times editorial, in encouraging approval of the extension, said, "Stability from a longer contract would benefit workers, public ports, terminal operators, shippers and exporters." Indeed, the benefits of the contract extension reach nearly every corner of the U.S. economy. According to a recent economic report, West Coast ports support more than 9.2 million U.S. jobs, with a domestic business impact of $2 trillion. In all, 12.5 percent of the U.S. GDP is tied to cargo moving through West Coast ports. "This shows that the West Coast means business when it comes to moving cargo for our customers. We're the most efficient, timely and cost-effective gateway for international trade and with a contract extension, we're also the most dependable." – Port of Oakland Executive Director Chris Lytle A shared understanding and appreciation of the West Coast ports' impact on the national economy drove the negotiating process forward, resulting in an extension that raises wages, maintains health benefits and increases pensions for ILWU members. The PMA was heartened by the level of support the contract extension received from rank-and-file ILWU members. Looking to the future, priorities to create increasingly modern, productive and reliable terminals will enable our ports to be sustained engines of economic growth. It will be important to prove that the PMA and ILWU are working collaboratively to adapt to increasing volumes and a changing workplace environment, and meeting or 2017 | The Year in Review 17 P A C I F I C M A R I T I M E A S S O C I A T I O N