BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — The Bicycle Product Suppliers Association is joining dozens of other U.S. trade associations in urging a quick settlement of talks between the West Coast shipping industry and the Longshore and Warehouse union.
The union's contract expires June 30.
BPSA president Roger Gierhart sent a letter to both the Longshore union leadership and Pacific Maritime Association CEO James McKenna, representing the shippers.
Gierhart said it's "critical" that the agreement be reached without a dispruption to shipping.
"According to U.S. government data, approximately 16 million bicycles and more than 110 million various parts and accessories were imported to the United States in 2013. Given our industry's heavy reliance on the U.S. ports to get its products to consumers, we urge you to make every attempt possible to conclude an agreement on a new contract before the current contract expires on June 30, 2014. It is critical that a new agreement be reached without disruptions to the movement of freight," Gierhart wrote.
"A failure to reach an agreement will have a significant negative impact on the bicycle industry, as it will on the U.S. economy as a whole."
