The International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association on Monday agreed to another 24-hour extension of the West Coast waterfront contract, but no significant developments are anticipated through Tuesday.

Waterfront labor and management on Monday toured container terminals in Los Angeles and Long Beach. Additional tours are planned for Tuesday. Contract negotiations are scheduled to resume on Wednesday in San Francisco.

The existing three-year contract expired on July 1, although both parties have agreed to a series of 24-hour extensions since then. As a result, cargo continues to move smoothly across West Coast docks and no significant work slowdowns have been reported.

The key ILWU demand continues to be maintenance of health and welfare benefits with no increased out-of-pocket expenses for longshoremen. The PMA last week offered a package of wage and pension increases, but the union rejected the offer.

Employers are pressing for broad enabling legislation that will give terminal operators the flexibility they need to change out-dated work rules and manning requirements while implementing productivity-enhancing technology.

The tours of shipping terminals are intended to explore the types of technology that are available to improve gate, yard and vessel operations.

The ILWU has scheduled a caucus for July 22. If negotiators agree to a contract, the agreement would be submitted to the caucus for ratification.

By Bill Mongelluzzo