Labor & Employment

New York -- Shipping operations will be suspended at U.S. West Coast ports over the coming long weekend, the Pacific Maritime Association announced Wednesday. The planned shut down comes amid  stalled labor talks between the companies and the union representing 20,000 dockworkers.

Chattanooga, Tenn. -- CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. announced the promotions of Andrew Cobb to senior VP and director of accounting, Stuart Smith to senior VP - planning/redevelopment, Jennifer Cope to VP - shared services, Jon Meshel to VP - development/redevelopment, and Ken Wittler to VP - development.

Andy Cobb joined CBL in June 2002, as VP - accounting. In February 2007, he was promoted to VP and director of accounting. Prior to joining CBL, Cobb was an audit manager for Arthur Andersen.

Free stuff and flexible employment opportunities for athletes are key elements of Dick’s Sporting Goods first ever partnership with the U.S. Olympic Committee.

The 2016 Summer Games will be held in Brazil in 2016 and to help athletes prepare Dick’s said it would offer jobs and equipment donations at U.S. Olympic training centers.

Atlanta -- JLL announced the expansion of its management platform with the addition of Brett Earp as the new Southeast and Florida property management lead. Based out of the firm’s Atlanta office, he will partner with Atlanta Retail Market Lead John Bemis and Florida Retail Market Lead John Lambert to maximize the firm’s clients’ property values. He will be responsible for increasing or maintaining their net operating income by developing and executing strategic operational efficiencies.

Mississauga, Canada – Landlords holding the leases of Target Canada stores reportedly are requesting that Ontario Superior Court put Target Canada into full bankruptcy. According to the Toronto Globe & Mail, the move would remove control of liquidation of the company’s assets from Target and put it in the hands of a third-party trustee.

Pittsburgh -- In a first for Dick’s Sporting Goods, the retailer said it will serve as the official sporting goods retail sponsor to the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and Team USA., as it prepares for the 2016 Summer Games, which will be held in Brazil.

Dick’s will focus on supporting U.S. Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls with jobs and equipment.

Aliso Viejo, Calif. – Johnny Rockets has promoted James Walker to president of operations and development. Formerly Johnny Rockets' chief development officer, Walker was recently promoted because of his role in orchestrating the franchise's record growth and development since joining in December 2013.

New York -- Aeropostale Inc. on Monday narrowed its fourth-quarter loss forecast on better than expected sales, margins, and expense management in January, and announced two executive appointments.