- • 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 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:
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.
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