Dockworkers Extend Contract; Talks Continue

Shipping lines and dockworkers have agreed to extend their contract on a day-to-day basis as negotiations covering workers at West Coast ports continue, minimizing the risk of labor disruptions.

The three-year contract had been due to expire Monday. Retailers who depend on shipments from Asia at this time of year for back-to-school and holiday supplies have been closely monitoring the talks and viewed the continued negotiations as a positive sign.

Talks between the International Warehouse and Longshore Union and the Pacific Maritime Assn. are focused primarily on health benefits and technology upgrades that could cut jobs.