SAN FRANCISCO   – The White House will send Labor Secretary Thomas Perez to attempt to media the long running West Coast dispute between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and port operators.

West Coast ports were closed last weekend in a management lockout following months of negotiating over a union contract with the ILWU. Furniture makers like Flexsteel say it is affecting business.

According to wood products manufacturers surveyed by the purchasing managers group ISM, "West Coast port dock slowdowns, coupled with railroad embargo are all creating logistical challenges and increased backlog of orders."