Port of Baltimore chief expects strike or lockout; 'I'm pretty pessimistic'

The head of the Port of Baltimore believes the port is heading toward a strike or lockout due to stalled labor negotiations.

James J. White, executive director of the Maryland Port Administration, said on Wednesday that it appears unlikely the International Longshoreman’s Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance will negotiate a deal before Sunday’s deadline.

The Longshoreman’s Association has threatened to strike with its 14,650 workers nationwide — 1,200 of whom work in Baltimore —…