Port of Los Angeles, Long Beach workers protest over contract negotiations

SAN PEDRO, Calif. (KABC) -- A big cargo logjam at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach has led to a cutback in hours for dock workers, who held a protest rally along with their supporters.

With a high school band leading the way, thousands of longshore workers, relatives and friends marched along Harbor Boulevard in San Pedro Thursday night.

The massive show of support comes as the union and the Pacific Maritime Association continue to battle over a new contract.

Politicians, including Los Angeles Councilmember Joe Buscaino and union representatives fired up the crowd during the rally. Many workers attended the demonstration with family members.

"My Mom and my stepdad, all of my grandpas, everybody works down there and they gave us a great life. They support us," said April Javier, a union supporter.

"I know that we're strong, we're united and that's what it's all about," said Cherry Chavez, another union supporter.

The workers are protesting a reduction in work hours, including the suspension of vessel unloading night shifts.

PMA accuses the union of a coordinated series of slowdowns intended to pressure employers to make concessions at the bargaining table.

Meantime, cargo is backing up at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, which handle about 40 percent of U.S. imports. There are 13 container ships sitting in the waters, waiting to be unloaded.

"Everyone is losing out for the fact that they don't have a contract in place. And as you can see behind me, the cranes are dark and that's not benefiting anyone," Buscaino said.

Negotiations between longshore workers and management have been going on since May.