# PMA and ILWU Local 26 extend contract amid port labour talks

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/pma-ilwu-local-26-port-contract-extension/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Jason Nicholson
- **Published:** 2026-11-08T16:00:00+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-11-08T11:00:17+00:00
- **Section:** Ports
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** ILWU Local 26, Pacific Maritime Association, Port Labour Negotiations, Port of Long Beach, Port of Los Angeles

The Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 26 have agreed to extend their existing labour contract through November 20, 2026, allowing negotiations to continue at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

The agreement, announced on November 6, follows a series of short-term extensions as employers and union representatives seek to reach a new labour settlement. The previous extension was due to expire on November 6, with further negotiations scheduled during the newly agreed period.

ILWU Local 26 represents approximately 250 maritime watchmen responsible for security-related functions at terminals across the two Southern California ports. Although the group accounts for roughly 2% of the ILWU workforce at the port complex, its members work at facilities handling a substantial share of cargo movements.

According to earlier information released by PMA, a potential work stoppage involving Local 26 could affect terminals responsible for approximately 85% of cargo handled at Long Beach and 33% at Los Angeles. These figures describe the potential exposure of terminal operations rather than any disruption that has occurred.

PMA said it remained committed to reaching an agreement through negotiations while avoiding disruption at the two ports. The latest extension provides additional time for discussions, but does not constitute a new collective bargaining agreement.

The negotiations remain separate from the broader labour agreement covering West Coast longshore workers, which runs through 2028. No new settlement terms have been announced, and the outcome of the ongoing discussions remains uncertain.

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Cite as: "PMA and ILWU Local 26 extend contract amid port labour talks", pelavox., 8 November 2026, https://pelavox.com/pma-ilwu-local-26-port-contract-extension/