At the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, Weston LaBar, president of the Harbor Trucking Association says that there have been no reported COVID-19 cases among drivers and that marine terminals and trucking companies have been working together to source protective gear and sanitary supplies for drivers.
ILWU Dispatcher Tests Positive for Coronavirus
However, on April 1st, two International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 13 dispatch halls were closed when a dispatcher tested positive for the Coronavirus, according to Stephen Hennessey, Chief Operating Officer of the Pacific Maritime Association.
He issued the following statement on April 1: “Dispatch halls for ILWU Local 13 longshore workers at the Ports of L.A. and Long Beach have been temporarily closed after a dispatcher tested positive for the coronavirus. As a result, the only ships working in the ports tonight are those that worked last night as well. Both halls are being sanitized this evening with the goal of resuming dispatch operations tomorrow, April 2. PMA and Local 13 are working cooperatively together so these essential workers can return to their vital terminal operations as quickly as possible to continue supporting our local and national economies during this challenging time.”