Cargo-handling operations at West Coast ports are expected to remain normal on Wednesday even though longshoremen are working without a contract.

Negotiators for the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association could not reach an agreement Tuesday by the time the previous contract negotiated in 2002 expired at 5 p.m. local time.

Employers had indicated earlier Tuesday that they were prepared to extend the previous contract, but that did not happen. Nevertheless, West Coast ports remained open for business. "The negotiating committee wants everyone to dispatch and work normally without any slowdowns or other actions," the ILWU stated on its Contract2008.org website. "While we’re working without a contract, most things will seem the same."

PMA spokesman Steve Getzug said employers are committed to negotiating a contract that is fair for both sides.

Negotiations continued Tuesday beyond the 5 p.m. deadline and were expected to resume on Wednesday.

By: Bill Mongelluzzo