Clerical workers expand strike, temporarily shut down terminal at ports of LA, Long Beach

Clerks expand strike at ports of LA, Long Beach

LOS ANGELES — Striking clerical workers at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have expanded their walkout to another terminal.

Stephen Berry, a spokesman for 14 shipping companies negotiating new contracts with the clerks, says the action temporarily shut down loading and unloading operations early Friday when dockworkers refused to cross the picket line.

But an arbitrator ruled that the 900-member clerks union had bargained in bad faith and ordered the longshoremen back to work.

For more than a week, clerks have been picketing four of 16 container terminals at the ports. Friday’s action expands the strike to five terminals.

Berry says talks are continuing.