[February 21, 2013]

Los Angeles Port Contract Brings Much-Needed Stability Back to the Supply Chain, NRF Says

The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold on the ratification of a contract between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 63 Office Clerical Unit and the Los Angeles / Long Beach Harbor Employers Association:

"The National Retail Federation and our members congratulate the CU and HEA for ratifying the new deal. This contract will bring much-needed stability to the supply chain, better position the ports for future growth and provide retailers the certainty they need to prepare for the upcoming summer shopping season.

"Now that the labor situation has been settled on the West Coast, it is time to turn our attention to the East and Gulf Coast ports.

"NRF reiterates our call on the International Longshoremen's Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance to quickly conclude ongoing local contract negotiations and urge them to ratify a new master contract.

"From the eight-day strike at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to the ongoing tensions and extensions on the East and Gulf Coasts, the supply chain has been through enough turmoil the past year. Everyone who utilizes the ports, from retailers and manufacturers to farmers and truckers, needs to get back to focusing on what they do best, powering our global economy."

As the world's largest retail trade association and the voice of retail worldwide, NRF represents retailers of all types and sizes, including chain restaurants and industry partners, from the United States and more than 45 countries abroad. Retailers operate more than 3.6 million U.S. establishments that support one in four U.S. jobs - 42 million working Americans. Contributing $2.5 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation's economy. NRF's Retail Means Jobs campaign emphasizes the economic importance of retail and encourages policymakers to support a Jobs, Innovation and Consumer Value Agenda aimed at boosting economic growth and job creation. www.nrf.com

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