Working conditions are a major sticking point, particularly draconian schedules, for members of the third-largest railroad union.

Sometimes the spending is to stay afloat in a competitive market. And sometimes it’s to take advantage of new opportunities.

Suppliers are prioritizing core products, says the owner of Ryan Amato Painting, but deep colors and clear coats can be hard to get.

It’s a volatile indicator, but the trend has been downward.

Hire more workers or do less business — the options aren’t great.

It’s one more thing for a supply chain under unprecedented pressure.

Commuting expenses and training backlogs are just some of the problems compounding staffing shortages, union leader says.

The so-called “subminimum wage” program was created for employers that hire people with disabilities, but some say that practice should end.

Hiring too many workers — many of them part time — was an effort to avoid losing sales.

“What we’ve seen is consistent cargo flow,” says Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles.