LOS ANGELES (AP) - Federal mediators have offered to get
involved in negotiations to resolve a labor dispute between longshoremen and
shipping lines that threatens to disrupt movement of goods through West Coast
ports.
The U.S. Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service said
Tuesday it will reach out promptly to both sides. No scheduled talks were
immediately announced.
The offer follows a request for mediation from the
Pacific Maritime Association, which represents shipping lines and cargo
terminal operators.
Longshoremen who load and unload cargo at 29 ports from
San Diego to Seattle have been working without a contract since July.
Shippers say both sides remain "far apart" on
many issues. As talks have lingered they have accused the longshoremen of a
work slowdown.
The ports provide a key trade link with Asia.
Source: MyFoxPhilly
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