Press Release
July 9, 2015
An added 400 dockworkers to handle Port of Oakland cargo
First new hires arrive this week to help clear vessel build-up
Oakland, CA – July 9, 2015: The first of 400 new dockworkers arrive this week to meet the Port of Oakland’s need for more labor. Additional hires will be phased into the workforce through September, the Port said, to handle a buildup of ships and cargo. The Port’s aim: accelerate cargo operations and clear out a backlog of vessels anchored in San Francisco Bay.
“We’re not operating with the speed and efficiency our customers deserve right now,” said Maritime Director John Driscoll. “Additional longshore labor is an important first step in getting back on track.”
The Port said waterfront employers and the longshore union agreed last month to beef up Oakland’s labor pool. In addition to adding new workers, they agreed to train and promote 100 current workers. That will expand the work force available to fill positions requiring greater skill and experience. Here’s why the extra help is necessary:
- Containerized cargo volume in Oakland has increased from the previous year’s total for three straight months.
- The number of vessels arriving in Oakland has grown, too, with the Port often berthing 10 ships a day.
- Some ships are anchored in the Bay two days waiting for short-staffed terminals to clear vessels from berths.
- More auto carrier vessels and cruise ships are calling at Bay Area ports putting further strain on the longshore labor pool.
The labor shortage has lengthened the time ships spend loading and unloading by as much as a day. It has also added time to the delivery of cargo at final destination. The Port said cargo and vessel delays should ease by the end of July. It added that it’s in discussions with waterfront labor and management on further measures to accelerate cargo operations.
The Port doesn’t hire longshore labor. That is managed by marine terminal operators who lease their facilities from the Port.
About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.
Media Contact:
Robert Bernardo
Communications Manager
Port of Oakland
(510) 627-1401
Click here to contact Robert Bernardo
Marilyn Sandifur,
Port Spokesperson
Port of Oakland
(510) 627-1193
Click here to contact Marilyn Sandifur