ILA Contract Update

Multiple news organizations have reported that negotiations between the East/Gulf coast longshore union (the ILA) and USMX (US Maritime Alliance, representing terminal and carrier owners) will resume next week. The contract extension agreed on in October after the 3-day strike is scheduled to expire on January 15, thus leaving a very short window to reach an agreement. Reports indicate that the two sides have been speaking informally over the last weeks. Many industry associations, including WSSA, have sent letters encouraging a return to the negotiating table.

The big issue on the table is automation. When the talks broke off in early November, the ILA stated that the USMX wanted to force automation to eliminate union jobs. The USMX responded with statements that automation can improve efficiency, thus increasing container volumes and creating more jobs. The October strike ended after intervention from the Biden administration helped broker a deal, and the USMX agreed to a significant pay increase, a 60% increase over a new six-year master contract.

We will continue to provide updates on the situation as information becomes available. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us or email us for information at: [email protected].

Source: WSSA ( Wine and Spirits Shippers Association, Inc. )

#Albatransnews #Albatrans #WSSA #Globalnews #Logistics #Freightforwarding #FreightForwarders #USA #ILA #USMX