At the behest of both parties, a federal mediator has been brought in to assist with brokering a deal between ILWU dockworkers and the employer Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) counterparts. Ongoing contract disputes between the sides have resulted in severe bottlenecks for both importers and exporters in the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. Several Western Growers members have been affected by the work slowdowns, jeopardizing deliveries of fresh produce and other commodities.
