Orange County’s prosperity depends on strong exports to foreign countries. According to a recent report by Cal State Fullerton, “Orange County exports have rebounded stronger than any of the top-10 metro areas in the state since the end of the recession, rising by a staggering 56 percent over the 2009-2012 period.” Growth has been even higher since then, although complete data are not yet available.
Which is why it’s imperative that the vital ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach remain open and not be hampered by strikes. The strikes earlier this year not only slowed the Orange County and Los Angeles economies, but the national economy.
We’re encouraged by the passage Thursday of the Ports Performance Act, S.1298, in the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the U.S. Senate. According to the Senate analysis, the bill would provide “currently non-existent key metrics on port operations to help provide earlier warning of disruptions to various sectors of our economy.”
The added data on potential slowdowns could put more pressure on dock workers – who already are well paid – considering another strike. We encourage Californian Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer to back the bill in the full Senate.
