This has potential to affect new kit arrivals

[Jon Cole]

West Coast Ports Could Shut Down in Days, Cripple Asia Trade

http://www.nbcnews.com/business/economy/west-coast-ports-could-shut-down-days-cripple-asia-trade-n300701

Traffic at nearly 30 West Coast ports is on the verge of "complete gridlock" and shipping officials have threatened to stop paying dockworkers if a contract deal is not reached soon.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Pacific Maritime Association CEO James McKenna said West Coast seaports, which handle some $1 trillion in trade per year, could shut down in the next five to 10 days and cripple U.S. trade with Asia. He said the organization is not considering a technical "lockout," but warned that the shipping system would inevitably bring itself to a stop if congestion persists.

PMA and the International Longshore & Warehouse Union have been working to negotiate new contracts since May. Nearly 20,000 dockworkers at 29 ports are impacted. PMA says ILWU has conducted slowdowns, walk-offs and other actions at key ports, aggravating congested conditions and disrupting cargo movement in a bid to influence the talks. He said productivity had dropped between 30 percent and 50 percent in recent months, crippling whole strings of vessels, in some cases. It's like "they're getting paid to grind us into the ground," McKenna said.

The union denied the claims and said the congestion crisis was "employer-caused."

IN-DEPTH

• Customers to Ports and Workers: Get It Done!
• California Ports Congestion 'Worst Ever on Record'

-- Karma Allen, CNBC

First published February 5th 2015, 8:01 am

[Harry P.]

I think the arrival of model kits would be the least of the problems this would cause.

[62rebel]

got to agree with Harry.

[Jon Cole]

In regards to our hobby, Harry? Other, non model related topics is of no interest here. Or so I thought.

[Lunajammer]

PMA says ILWU has conducted slowdowns, walk-offs and other actions at key ports, aggravating congested conditions and disrupting cargo movement in a bid to influence the talks. He said productivity had dropped between 30 percent and 50 percent in recent months, crippling whole strings of vessels, in some cases. It's like "they're getting paid to grind us into the ground," McKenna said.

A lot words to say it's Thursday at the docks.

[Fabrux]

I can see BC ports getting a whole lot busier...

[DrGlueblob]

Just need to slow down adding to the stash for awhile.

[martinfan5]

Just need to slow down adding to the stash for awhile.

Ohhh, dont say that

[Rob Hall]

Won't affect FedEx air shipments from HLJ...

[slusher]

Could they not just go thru Panama Canal into the gulf if they have no choice...

[moparfarmer]

Looks like Wal-Marts shelves will be empty..Also we might have to start digging into our staches for models..Most everyone here could probably last a few years without a new model..

[Danno]

Jimmy Hoffa would be proud.

[johnbuzzed]

Just need to slow down adding to the stash for awhile.

Or, stock up now... like getting all that bread and milk before the snowstorm.

[thatz4u]

It's ALWAYS something.....

[Draggon]

Jimmy Hoffa would be proud.

Now you're talking.

[High octane]

Since I have plenty of plastic kits to build, whenever the strike is over and new kits arrive is alright with me.

[Cliff Dagger]

I only buy kits made in USA .maybe it's time to switch all production back over here .

[Ace-Garageguy]

Or, stock up now... like getting all that bread and milk before the snowstorm.

OMG OMG OMG...A SNOWSTORM ??? OMG OMG I'M GOING TO THE STORE NOW !!!!!!!

[Tom Geiger]

Or, stock up now... like getting all that bread and milk before the snowstorm.

Before the last storm that didn't deliver the punch we expected, Michael Nutter, the Mayor of Philadelphia quipped on TV that he didn't know why everyone wanted to make French Toast every time there was a storm. I'll bet that went over the head of a lot of viewers.

[martinfan5]

I only buy kits made in USA .maybe it's time to switch all production back over here .

I am guessing you dont buy new kits ?

They could bring back production here, but that would probably double the cost of the kits, and people complain as it for the current cost of kits being close to $30

Edited February 11, 2015 by martinfan5

[unclescott58]

Just need to slow down adding to the stash for awhile.

Same here. It will give me a breather.

Scott

[mikemodeler]

I work for an auto parts company that relies on parts being shipped in from the Pacific Rim and this work slowdown has had an effect on our business big time. If this goes on much longer, I can say goodbye to another good sales year as the recovery time is a minimum of 3-6 months.

I'd like to say that I am concerned about model kits, but reality is I am more worried about my livelihood.

[Cliff Dagger]

I buy the kits Revell makes in America. I also bought the new MPC/Round2 FordVan 1/20 kit .

[Quick GMC]

Here is an album to give you guys an idea of how serious this is

http://imgur.com/a/quS8p

[Quick GMC]

I work for an auto parts company that relies on parts being shipped in from the Pacific Rim and this work slowdown has had an effect on our business big time. If this goes on much longer, I can say goodbye to another good sales year as the recovery time is a minimum of 3-6 months.

I'd like to say that I am concerned about model kits, but reality is I am more worried about my livelihood.

My dad's company too. Importing containers of stone from China, Brazil, Italy and Argentina is expensive. Not having the material to put in the houses leaves people very upset and likely to go elsewhere. This is a very serious problem. Model kits are the least of it.