MEMA President and CEO Steve Handschuh related motor vehicle suppliers' concerns regarding the cost of growing delays at West Coast ports in an interview that aired Feb. 17 on CNBC.
He noted that delays have now reached up to two weeks at the Los Angeles port due to a protracted labor dispute between the Longshoremen’s Union and the Pacific Maritime Association. A federal mediator joined the talks but there has been no resolution.
View the interview by clicking here.
MEMA is advocating for the resolution of the issues affecting West Coast ports, representing the concerns of members of its divisions -- AASA, HDMA, MERA and OESA -- as part of an industry coalition. The MEMA Washington staff is actively working in Washington with elected officials and government officials to avert the crisis and urge both sides to reach an agreement.
Members are urged to contact their U.S. senators and representations and ask them to request that President Obama use the authority under the Taft-Hartley Act if necessary to start the process to enjoin the current lockout/strike and order the parties back to negotiating the contract.
You can find information to assist you in contacting your congressional delegation at the MEMA Action Center. Tom Lehner of the MEMA Washington office also is available to answer questions.
Subscribe to Aftermarket Business World and receive articles like this every month….absolutely free. Click here.
