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Port security watchmen strike deadline moves to Nov. 4 in LA, Long Beach

The port security watchmen strike deadline at Los Angeles and Long Beach moved to November 4. What the ILWU Local 26 talks mean for guard companies.

Six security guards in dark uniforms stand in a hallway, listening to a supervisor holding a clipboard.

About 250 security watchmen at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach can strike after 5 p.m. Pacific on Wednesday, November 4, after their union and the employers extended a November 1 deadline to keep talking, gCaptain reported on October 30. The Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), which bargains for the employers, announced the extension with International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 26.

Key points#

  • About 250 Local 26 watchmen handle gate security and cargo watch at port terminals, Sourcing Journal reported.
  • The talks run to 5 p.m. Pacific on November 4, with federal mediators helping, gCaptain reported.
  • The watchmen's contract expired in July 2025, and they have worked under an extension since, Sourcing Journal reported.
  • Other dockworkers traditionally do not cross picket lines, so a walkout could stop terminal work, SGB Online reported.

What the watchmen do#

The watchmen are stationed at terminal entry and exit points, where cargo passes through, and handle gate security and cargo watch, Sourcing Journal reported. They make up about 2% of the union's workforce at the port complex and have a contract separate from other ILWU workers, the publication said.

Their terminals handle roughly 85% of the cargo at the Port of Long Beach and 33% at the Port of Los Angeles, according to PMA, gCaptain reported. The union identified eight terminal locations that a walkout could affect, the site said.

Crane operators, longshoremen and clerks traditionally will not cross a picket line, SGB Online reported, which is why a small unit of guards could halt dock work at those terminals.

Where the talks stand#

The two sides have bargained for more than a year, and PMA says significant differences remain, while Local 26 has accused the employers of failing to make meaningful progress, gCaptain reported. "PMA remains committed to reaching a fair agreement at the bargaining table," the association said.

PMA says its offer includes wage increases and pension updates, SGB Online reported. PMA also says full-time watchmen earn an average of more than $170,000, with fully paid health care and pension benefits, Sourcing Journal reported, and the union did not comment for that report.

The reports we read do not say what the union is asking for. If no deal is reached by Wednesday evening, the guards can legally strike, SGB Online reported.

What it means for your company#

  • Expect calls from logistics clients. Warehouses, yards and distribution sites near the ports may change hours or ask for different coverage if terminal work stops. Ask them now what they expect.
  • Know your own contract dates. If your officers are in a union, put the expiry date and the start of bargaining on the calendar a year ahead, not a month ahead.
  • Have your numbers ready. Both sides in a pay dispute argue from real earnings and hours. Make sure your payroll and schedule records can show them quickly.
  • Plan for a picket line. Decide in advance who covers a client site if your own officers will not cross a line at a shared location, and write it into the post orders.
  • Get labor advice. Strike and bargaining rules are complex, so check with a labor attorney before you act.

A Guardix payroll run can be downloaded as an Excel or PDF file, which helps when those numbers are needed fast.

Frequently asked questions#

Who are the ILWU Local 26 watchmen?#

They are about 250 union security watchmen who handle gate security and cargo watch at terminals in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, Sourcing Journal reported. Their previous contract expired in July 2025.

When can the port watchmen strike?#

The extension runs until 5 p.m. Pacific on Wednesday, November 4, gCaptain reported. Without a deal by then, the guards can legally strike, SGB Online reported.

Sources#

  • Unions
  • Wages
  • California

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