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Longshore workers at nearly 30 ports on the West Coast will vote to extend their contract with shipping companies, according to representatives of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. The extensionwould add three years to the current contract, running to July 1, 2022. Union leaders state the extension will keep health benefits intact, as well as raise pay and pensions for dockworkers. Meanwhile, representatives from various shipping companies are claiming the extension shows proves the West Coast's dedication and efficiency with regards to international shipping. Previous contract negotiations had not been so amicable, as disputes in 2014 and 2015 caused major disruption of business at ports up and down the coast before an intervention by then-President Obama resulted in a tentative agreement. The new extension on the current contract is expected to be ratified on August 4.