Security guards at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have delayed a possible strike until Wednesday, November 4, the Journal of Commerce and Seatrade Maritime report. The earlier deadline was Sunday, November 1, FreightWaves reports. The two sides agreed on October 30 to extend the contract, Seatrade Maritime reports. The new deadline falls the day after the midterm elections, the outlet says.

About 250 watchmen belong to Local 26 of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, or ILWU, FreightWaves reports. They have authorized a strike, according to the Pacific Maritime Association, which represents employers, the outlet says. Talks are continuing with help from federal mediators, FreightWaves reports.

The watchmen make up about 2% of ILWU workers at the two ports, the employers group said, FreightWaves reports. But they work at terminals that handle about 85% of Long Beach's cargo and 33% of Los Angeles' cargo, the outlet says. Other ILWU members are not expected to cross picket lines, Seatrade Maritime reports. That could halt work at the affected terminals, according to FreightWaves.

"PMA remains committed to reaching a fair agreement at the bargaining table that avoids disruption at the nation's two busiest ports," the employers group said, Seatrade Maritime reports. Employers say their offer includes higher wages and better pensions, FreightWaves reports. The union has not detailed its demands, the outlet says.

Full-time watchmen earn more than $170,000 a year on average, plus health care and pensions paid by employers, the employers group said, FreightWaves reports. Their last contract ran out in July 2025, and they have kept working under extensions, the outlet says. Their contract is separate from the main coastwide deal for ILWU dockworkers, which runs through 2028, FreightWaves reports.

What we know: The strike deadline is now November 4, and talks are continuing.
What we don't: Whether the two sides will reach a deal before the new deadline.