Around 40% of US trade moves through these ports. And two small groups that have a stranglehold upon the nation, the employee’s union and the employers’ association. One monopoly dealing with another, the first being the monopolist for the output of the second monopoly, and that’s just not going to lead to an efficient marketplace for anyone.
Over the last 6 months, Foreign & American companies have lost billions of dollars each day...and signing a new contract means nothing when it can happen anytime again.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/timworstall/2015/02/09/west-coast-port-strik...
Unions only benefit the few that retain their job, otherwise they get laid off. Or worst the company moves operations overseas and everyone loses.