News / USWC ports face lockdown as PMA axes weekend work to avoid paying overtime

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US west coast port employers’ representative the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) called a halt to weekend operations to avoid paying overtime rates.

The move followed an unsatisfactory response to what it called its “final offer” to the dockworkers’ union last week.

In a statement released by the PMA on Friday, explaining its decision to “temporarily” suspend weekend operations it said: “PMA member companies finally have concluded that they will no longer continue to pay workers premium pay for diminished productivity”.

“After three months ...