Negotiations resume as port strike enters 6th day

The walkout has dramatically slowed activity at the nation's busiest cargo complex as dockworkers refuse to cross picket lines set up by union clerical workers.

The clerical workers began striking Tuesday to raise the ante in a 2 1/2-year-old contract battle over claims that management had been outsourcing their well-paid jobs out of state and overseas.

The Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor Employers Association, which represents 14 shippers and terminal operators, denies the allegation. They say they have offered lifelong job security to the 600 or so full-time clerical workers.