Cargo Business Newswire

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Costco and other Hawaiian retailers prepare for lockout

Costco and other retailers in Hawaii are stocking up in preparation for a potential port lockout that could happen within a week due to the West Coast labor dispute.

If the ongoing dispute between the Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union results in a lockout at West Coast ports, it could stop all cargo movements to the Islands.

Scott Ankrom, general manager of Costco Iwilei, said last week that the store is taking actions to ensure Hawaii stores receive products.

"Our buying office is doing everything they can," he said. "We do have supplies on hand. The buying office is adjusting our safety stock in California to help assist with the possibility of a port lockout."

A coast-wide lockout would affect Hawaii, Guam, Alaska and American Samoa. Honolulu’s Matson shipping line says currently cargo is still flowing to the Islands.

According to Pacific Business News, Hawaii's congressional delegation is considering making a request for an exemption if a lockout happens. During a work lockout in 2002, Hawaii was given an exemption by the Pacific Maritime Association to receive maritime shipments after a lockout that lasted about a week.

The delegation said at that time Hawaii needed the exemption due to its isolated location and dependence on shipping for nearly all of its goods.

For more of the Pacific Business News stories: www.bizjournals.com | www.bizjournals.com