ILWU Local 26, which represents roughly 250 watchmen providing terminal security, has authorized a strike that could begin at 5 p.m. Sunday, LAist reports.

The contract between the union and the Pacific Maritime Association, which represents operators of all 12 terminals at the port complex, expired in July 2025, and negotiations have continued since with no deal. The Loadstar reports the latest contract extension expires at 5 p.m.

Pacific Time on Sunday, and no strike has yet been confirmed.

The affected workers represent only about 2% of the ILWU's workforce, yet their posts sit across six terminals that handle more than half of the port complex's cargo — 85% of container cargo at Long Beach and 33% at Los Angeles, according to the PMA figures cited by The Loadstar.

The concern, as consultant Lars Jensen told The Loadstar, is that other ILWU members traditionally refuse to cross picket lines, potentially freezing operations well beyond the security staff and spreading disruption across more of the complex.

The stakes are amplified by record volumes: LAist reports the ports handle more than 31% of the nation's containerized cargo, moved over 20 million containers in 2025 worth more than $1.6 trillion, and Long Beach set a September record of 997,177 containers — 25% more than a year earlier.

Jensen told The Loadstar the complex averaged 68,000 TEU a day in September, so even a short strike could quickly create bottlenecks. CargoTrans reported roughly 35,700 containers were already awaiting rail transport, including about 10,500 sitting for nine days or longer.

The timing is precarious: the strike threat lands just as the heavy shipping season for holiday merchandise begins, LAist notes. The PMA says it has put a strong economic package on the table with wage increases and pension improvements, but significant differences remain.

It warned that a timely agreement matters to the entire Southern California supply chain and the economies that depend on it.

Both ports' administrators say they are watching negotiations closely, and Port of Long Beach CEO Noel Hacegaba assured customers the port remains committed to moving cargo safely and reliably.

Negotiations are ongoing, and if no deal is reached the key moment is Sunday at 5 p.m. Pacific, when the contract extension lapses.

The Loadstar reports CargoTrans is advising customers with released cargo to pick it up before Sunday evening and build flexibility into delivery schedules.

Further strain is coming regardless: the Vincent Thomas Bridge is scheduled to close from November 7 for roughly 16 months, lengthening drayage journeys. Agreements for other unionized dockworkers do not expire until 2028, per LAist.