Dockworkers and port operators strike labor deal, again dodging strike
CBSN
East and Gulf Coast port operators late Wednesday struck an agreement with a dockworkers union, resolving a labor dispute that had threatened to halt shipments for a second time in three months.
The two sides — the International Longshoremen's Association and the United States Maritime Alliance — announced in a joint statement Wednesday evening that they had reached a tentative deal on a new six-year contract that averts a strike that would have started Jan. 15.
"This agreement protects current ILA jobs and establishes a framework for implementing technologies that will create more jobs while modernizing East and Gulf coasts ports – making them safer and more efficient, and creating the capacity they need to keep our supply chains strong," the two parties said in their statement.
Wildfires in the Los Angeles area burned more than 26,000 acres, damaged or destroyed more than 1,000 structures and forced tens of thousands from their homes by Wednesday evening. At least five people are dead, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires broke out Tuesday followed by the Woodley and Lidia fires Wednesday, all fueled by powerful winds.
At least five wildfires are ravaging Southern California, and the three largest — which are at 0% containment — have already killed at least two people, burned thousands of acres and prompted the evacuation of about 70,000 residents. Santa Ana winds coupled with dry conditions have created the perfect storm for the fires to spread.