by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

The Journal of Commerce reports that the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) are scheduled to resume negotiations for a new master contract on 7 January.

The talks would take place only a week before the current contract extension expires on 15 January, potentially leading to a second strike along the US East and Gulf coasts.

Both the ILA and USMX have refrained from commenting on the status of the negotiations, which impact 45,000 dockworkers.

Disagreements regarding port automation requirements have stalled talks since mid-November, even though the two parties have agreed on wages for the new master contract.

In his Christmas message, ILA President Harold J. Daggett said, "Our resolve may be tested again in mid-January as we face another deadline for negotiating a new Master Contract."

"We want to avoid another strike, and hope that our employers represented by United States Maritime Alliance will respect our demands for a fair and decent contract," he added.

Meanwhile, container carrier Maersk urged customers to pick up containers ahead of the potential labour action.

In their latest update, the carrier said, "Considering the status, we strongly encourage our customers to pick up their laden containers and return empty containers at U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports before January 15."

Maersk believes that this measure would help mitigate potential disruptions at the impacted terminals.

Lloyd's List reported that shipping companies are once more introducing disruption surcharges that will only be implemented if the strike takes place, similar to the approach taken before the October 1 deadline.

Hapag-Lloyd has announced a surcharge for cargo heading to US East Coast and Gulf ports, effective for shipments gated in from 20 January onwards.

Similarly, starting 10 January, ZIM will apply a surcharge for all cargo arriving at or departing from the affected ports.