Some SoCal Port Workers Reject Contract

Some unionized clerical workers who work at the Southern California ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have rejected a contract agreement that was reached in late November, the Long Beach Press-Telegram reported.

Workers at three port employers rejected the new contract this week, the Press-Telegram reported, citing a union source.

Workers at the port’s other 12 bargaining units approved the measure, the San Gabriel Valley (Calf.) Tribune reported.

The workers who rejected the contract are members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union’s Local 63 clerical unit. They work at China Shipping, Evergreen and APM Terminals, the Press-Telegram said.

Federal mediators helped the parties reach a tentative contract agreement in late November that ended an eight-day walkout at L.A. and Long Beach, the nation’s largest port complex.

The National Retail Federation said Friday it was “extremely disappointed” by the vote and urged the parties “to work through their differences without any kind of disruption.”