Longshoremen _used_ to make good money if the Sea-Land union guys is Kodiak were any measure (the only personal knowledge I have on that score, now some 45+ years stale)
So.
Quick Google sez:
How much does a Longshoreman make in Long Beach, CA?
"The average Longshoreman salary in Long Beach, CA is $67,109 as of May 25, 2023, but the salary range typically falls between $60,541 and $74,154."
Honestly, in that location, those guys are sucking fumes - and ripe for union attempt at trying for better.
Then too, let's look at the Railroad brotherhoods (unions) - engineers have a truly sucky deal - "look it up" if you doubt - another choke point rip for union hostage taking.
So _why_ would the "powers-that-be" put the grind on these workers?
Profits? OK
But how about a relatively short term squeeze to, you guessed it, destabilize everything to grease the skids for "change, "reset". After which, the brothers can bunk together at work site and _maybe_ leave the perimeter once in awhile, hinging on good performance and behavior.