The clock is ticking on West Coast seaports. They could shut down in five days, if dockworkers and their employers cannot reach a new contract. Negotiations between the two sides have been going on for nine months. Pacific Maritime Association CEO James McKenna said a longshoremen lock-out could happen if cargo congestion persists at the ports. They handle about $1 trillion in trade annually. McKenna said the latest contract proposal is for 5-years and includes wage increases of about 3 percent annually, an increase in pension contributions, the maintenance of hefty health benefits and an agreement to let the union have jobs inspecting truck chassis. Negotiations between the two sides have been going on since May.
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