The union representing workers at 36 ports on the U.S. East and Gulf coasts reportedly met with employers as the deadline for a strike is just a week away.
Bloombrg reports the dockworkers’ union representatives and their employer group, the U.S. Maritime Alliance, were to meet in New Jersey today in an attempt to work a new labor contract.
A strike by the 47,000 dock workers would shut all 36 ports on the East and Gulf coasts is likely if the two sides can’t come to an agreement before a Jan. 15 deadline.
In early October, the International Longshoremen’s Association reached a tentative deal with ocean carriers and terminal operators on a 62% wage increase over six years. That deal ended a three-day strike. However, what was left unsettled was the use of automation at ports, which the union says will eliminate jobs.
The two sides met unsuccessfully in November. The union objected to USMX's request to use semi-automated, rail-mounted cranes at port terminals.
A group of USMX representatives met with ILA leaders Sunday to draw up language on automation ahead of this week’s formal negotiations. The proposal would give the union the right to create human jobs to complement technology implemented at ILA-operated ports.
The Shippers Coalition called on the union and employers to avoid a work stoppage. A state from. the group said:
“Action must be taken immediately to prevent long-term consequences for U.S. retailers, consumers, and the economy at large,” says Alexis Oberg, Deputy Executive Director of the Shippers Coalition. “If a fair negotiated agreement cannot be reached by January 15, we would urge both parties to extend the contract extension and continue to negotiate. Further, we urge both President Biden and President-elect Trump and their teams to intervene in the negotiations and use all tools in their toolbox to prevent a strike and to ease supply chain disruptions should a strike occur.”
The Coalition is a joint effort of more than 80 of the nation’s leading manufacturers, agribusinesses, and trade associations,
The Retail Industry Leaders Association issued a statement Monday urging both sides to avoid a strike. It said in part:
“After just wrapping a successful holiday shopping season, retailers are starting the new year excited for opportunities to continue delivering for consumers. Similarly, we know Americans are entering 2025 eager for more progress on inflation and continued economic growth.
“However, a looming strike along East and Gulf Coast ports injects a troublesome dose of uncertainty and disruption into retail supply chains, which will ultimately put U.S. economic goals in jeopardy. We’re glad to see contract negotiations resuming this week, but retailers remain cautious about the potential for a labor strike impacting key ports."
“Too much is at stake, at home and abroad, to lead off the year on the wrong foot with a major labor strike. We urge both parties to remain at the negotiating table until a deal is reached, and help our economy start the new year well-positioned for success.”
