Please join us on Thursday, April 28th at 4:30 p.m. ET for a members-only briefing with James McKenna, CEO of the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA). The PMA represents 70 ocean carriers and terminal operators in negotiating a new labor contract with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) for the 29 West Coast ports.

The ILWU's current labor contract is due to expire on June 30, 2022, meaning July 1 marks the beginning of a period of enormous uncertainty for goods moving through these ports, including the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, which handle 40 percent of the nation's containerized imports in total. Any impasse in reaching a new labor contract carries the legitimate possibility of a significant impediment to world trade - and another shock to a world economy grappling with the impacts of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and China's new restrictions to combat COVID-19. 

This event offers members the opportunity to hear from Mr. McKenna on the state of negotiations, the important issues for PMA's members and the ILWU, and his perspective on the timing of a new contract.

Members will also have the opportunity to ask questions to Mr. McKenna.

This event is off-the-record, closed to press, and exclusive to Chamber members.