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North American Member News December 2024

Posted:

21 January 2025

Author:

Eileen Supko

Potential Strike by International Longshoremen’s Association at U.S. East and Gulf Coast Ports

In October a long-term strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) was averted after a three-day strike at U.S. east coast and U.S. gulf coast ports. At that time, the Biden Administration helped the two side to agree to an extension of the current contract. U.S. east coast and gulf coast ports handle approximately 50% of all container traffic into and out of the U.S. according to new reports.

The parties evidently met in November, when the ILA halted contract talks. Negotiations between the ILA and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX), which is a management group representing the ports and other stakeholders are planned to resume in January. 

The Parties have agreed on money issues, with the workers set to receive a 62% pay increase over the six-year life of the contract. The ILA wants to halt actions to further automate ports as they contend it will result in the loss of high-paying jobs for its members. USMX contends that the technology is needed to modernize U.S. ports so that they can be competitive, and that modernization will increase container volumes, creating more jobs. 

The pending negotiation deadline is January 15, 2025. A strike could impact the transport of nuclear fuel between the U.S. and Europe.

Articles regarding pending strike: Fresh Fruit Portal: New ILA strike could come in January

MSN: ILA Strike Threat, Trump Tariffs Trigger End-of-2024 Import Rush

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