For decades the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and Pacific Maritime Association have worked together to extend West Coast port contracts. The current waterfront contract, which is set to expire July 1, 2019, was achieved after a tumultuous period of ILWU and PMA negotiations that began on Oct. 31, 2014, and ended on Feb. 20, 2015, with a tentative contract agreement that was later ratified by both parties. Recognizing the importance of labor stability, the ILWU and PMA released a joint announcement declaring that they will discuss the “concept” of a contract extension during early November talks.