Negotiations Resume in Bid to Avert New Strike at US East and Gulf Coast Ports
Talks between the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) are set to resume on Tuesday to head off a potential strike at ports along the East and Gulf Coasts. The ILA represents 50,000 members who operate at 14 port authorities from Maine to Texas, handling more than half of US inbound container traffic.
The two sides reached a tentative agreement in October, ending a three-day strike, but the deal only covered wages, with hourly pay increasing by 10% in the first year and 62% over six years. The agreement, however, left open the issue of automation at the ports, a key point of contention.
The union has expressed concerns that new technology could lead to job losses among its members, while management argues it is necessary to improve productivity. The two sides have not met in person since mid-November, and the ILA has agreed to return to work only until January 15, after which a new strike could begin unless a new contract or contract extension is reached.
President Joe Biden declined to intervene during the October strike, and it appears President-elect Donald Trump would also refuse to take action, according to reports. Trump reportedly expressed support for the ILA’s stance on automation in a meeting with ILA President Harold Daggett, stating that foreign-owned ship lines, which dominate the USMX, should invest in workers rather than technology.