SIMIC

A source with knowledge of Oakland's operations who asked not to be identified, said ILWU workers "red-tagged" equipment inside OICT early Monday, meaning none of the equipment could be used until inspected by a mechanic, reports IHS Media.

The source called the move a "gimmick" that forced the loading and unloading of all vessels at the terminal to come to a halt. As of 2:30 pm West Coast time Monday, operations had not resumed, and it was unclear how long the disruption would last.

OICT is the busiest marine terminal at the Port of Oakland, handling about 70 per cent of its container volume.

The latest disruption at Oakland comes just two weeks after three of the port's four terminals were shut down for a morning shift after ILWU marine clerks picketed over a travel pay issue.

The sources said Monday's action by the ILWU is an obvious attempt to exert pressure on contract negotiations with the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) that show no sign of reaching a resolution anytime soon. Talks began in May but have been stalled for months and all but suspended since October.

The prior contract between the ILWU and PMA, which represents marine terminal operators and ocean carriers, expired on July 1.

OICT is operated by SSA Containers, the same operator that runs Terminal 5 at the Port of Seattle, which has been the site of a work jurisdictional dispute that has forced the broader West Coast contract talks to be put on hold.

While negotiations on a new deal drag, wary shippers seeking to avoid the type of disruption that halted vessel operations at OICT Monday are diverting an increasing amount of cargo from the West Coast to the East and Gulf coasts.