Joseph Miniace, President of the Pacific Maritime Association, congratulated the USMX, the CCC and the ILA on their three-year contract extension, which was approved by ILA members yesterday. "Agreeing to a three-year extension more than a year before the contract would have expired is a significant accomplishment for the East Coast longshore industry," Miniace said. "The East Coast is obviously committed to sending a loud and clear message to the shipping community that it wants to offer a long-term, stable and predictable environment." Miniace went on to say, "There should be no mistake about it, however, this is another shot across our bow by the East Coast. The East Coast message of stability and predictability is clearly intended to attract cargo over the long term at the expense of the West Coast."

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