Correction: This article has been updated to correct the photographer’s name.
The Port of Long Beach plays a major role in the economy by supporting 51,090 jobs in Long Beach alone. Regardless, the port was no exception to the changes the coronavirus (COVID-19) has brought onto industries all across the nation.
The port has experienced disruptions in the supply chain and changes in workforce practices.
The port complex was deemed essential and it has continued to operate throughout the pandemic.
“It wasn’t until May of this year that we had some resemblance of some positive volume numbers year-to-year. It’s been a year where it’s up and down,” said Executive Director Mario Cordero at the Port of Long Beach.
The port reported its best August record in its 109-year history. Despite the positive numbers during the peak season, there is still economic uncertainty because of COVID-19.
What is certain is the need for operations at the port complex to continue.
Cordero said, “In a crisis people are aware of the importance of the port authority. At the end of the day, whether it’s PPE that needs to be had during this crisis, it comes back to the ports. The consumer goods that people depend on. It’s important to have the port open and functioning 24/7 to meet the demands of the consumer.”
Vivian Malauulu, President for Area 2 of the Long Beach Community College District Board of Trustees said, “There have been a lot of changes to the way the longshore industry has adapted to the pandemic.”
Malauulu also serves as a Health Benefits Representative for the International Longshore Warehouse Unions (ILWU) Local 13. She is one of six titled officers who oversees the welfare and pension benefits of more than 10,000 members, retirees and their dependents.
“First of all, we modified our dispatch times to give the cleaning crews more time to clean between shifts,” Malauulu said.
“Another notable change is we have expanded dispatch locations. We went from two different dispatch locations to now we have four where we can seperate people,” in order to avoid mingling and help with social distancing, said Malauulu.
Longshoreman Katy Witkowski said she feels safe working at the ports during COVID-19.
“I’m very proud of the way our unions have handled COVID. Our numbers within our ILWU are next to none. Safety measures are through the roof,” she said.
Back in August, the port added a COVID-19 testing site near 9th Ave. and Anaheim, “very logistically placed to have accessibility to the port complex,” said Cordero.
Longshoremen workers have also had to adapt to new changes such as wearing a mask when entering the terminal. No one is allowed without a mask.
“The equipment is constantly sanitized and no one is allowed to enter the terminals or shuttles without a mask,” said Witkowski.
“I think you see again that during crises people are dependent on the ports for cargo movement. For the city of Long Beach it’s a great mark for us to be very fortunate to have the port here. It’s not only a great economic engine for the city and the nation, it’s the nation’s largest port complex,” said Cordero.
The Port of Long Beach administration office is closed to visitors. For any news updates about the port check out www.polb.com.
