The International Longshoremen’s Association, which represents East Coast and Gulf Coast dockworkers, in September asked its locals to open talks with regional employer groups, said James McNamara, an ILA spokesman.
A spokesman for the Pacific Maritime Association, which represents carriers and terminal operators on the West Coast, declined to comment.
The Port of Houston and Georgia’s Port of Savannah have also benefited from freight diversions away from the West Coast.
The West Coast labor talks have significant hurdles to overcome once the two sides resolve their regional disagreements, according to shipping industry officials.
Shipping industry officials say the talks covering Gulf Coast and East Coast ports face fewer stumbling blocks.