NCC joins other associations in effort to avert a port strike

GAINESVILLE, Ga. — The National Chicken Council joins in on a letter sent to President Biden in conjunction with 176 other national and state agricultural and trade associations about a potential strike beginning Oct. 1 by the International Longshoremen’s Association at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports if new agreements are not met.

This letter noted that, “On behalf of the undersigned organizations representing manufacturers, farmers and agribusinesses, wholesalers, retailers, restaurants, importers, exporters, distributors, transportation and logistics providers, and other supply chain stakeholders, we are writing to you again expressing significant concern about the state of negotiations between the (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) to help them return to the bargaining table to restart stalled negotiations.”

“This labor contract, which covers all maritime container ports along the East and Gulf coasts, is set to expire on Sept. 30, 2024. The ILA has repeatedly threatened a coastwide strike if a new agreement is not reached by Oct. 1 … we call upon the administration to immediately work with both parties to resume contract negotiations and ensure there is no disruption to port operations and cargo fluidity if a new contract is not reached by the expiration date,” the letter added.

The USMX has issued its own statement regarding this association coalition letter.

“The only way to resolve this impasse is to resume negotiations, which we are willing to do at any time,” USMX noted. “USMX is in strong agreement with the 177 trade associations who are calling for the immediate resumption of negotiations with the ILA to work out a new Master Contract agreement that recognizes their vital contributions, while avoiding an unnecessary and disruptive strike that would be harmful to all parties.”

“We understand and appreciate the concern from these trade associations, who realize what is at stake if negotiations are unable to progress, and we call on the ILA to return to bargaining so we can reach a new deal before the expiration of our current agreement, something we continue to believe is possible if the other side is willing to meet,” USMX added.

The ILA has released several statements, but in one directed to USMX it notes that the maritime alliance is making a “misleading statement.”

“USMX claims to offer industry-leading wages. However, their interpretation of ‘leading wages’ is polar opposite to ours,” ILA said in its statement. “Inflation has completely eaten into any raises and wages. Everything has become more expensive, even compared to six years ago. Our members are struggling to pay their mortgages, rent, car payments, groceries, utility bills, taxes, and in some cases, their children’s education. USMX’s corporate greed has made them delusional – profits over people. They have taken advantage of a low entry wage and a tiered progression system for 30 years. We outright reject their position on the new entry wage.”

“Our work is in a shape industry; we are at the beck and call of the ships,” ILA added. “No ships mean no work. The only guarantees our workers have are hourly, daily, or shift guarantees. Our rank-and-file members not on salary – they work when the ships are docked at the berth, and only if their seniority affords them the opportunity … This propaganda from USMX is exactly what we predicted weeks ago. It’s also incredibly insulting that they think our members aren’t smart enough to see through their tactics.”

For West Coast ports, it’s noted that a strike was prevented in 2023 during labor negotiations.

“The ILA most definitely will hit the streets on Oct. 1 if we don’t get the kind of contract we deserve … Mark my words, we’ll shut them down,” Harold Daggett, ILA president, said in a video statement.

“We have tremendous respect for the ILA and its members, but it is disappointing that we have reached this point where the ILA is unwilling to reopen dialogue unless all of its demands are met,” USMX added.

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