by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor
Update: 26.08.2024
The latest United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) announcement signals a new development in the contract talks for US East and Gulf Coast port workers.
According to the USMX, they have not been able to arrange a meeting with the ILA to continue talks on a new master contract.
"While negotiations with many ILA Locals have continued to progress, despite repeated efforts and continued outreach, USMX has been unable to secure a meeting with the ILA to resume negotiations on a new Master Contract," says the statement.
The alliance further reveals that the ILA filed a Notice to Mediation Agencies with the e Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service (FMCS) on 19 August.
In turn, the USMX filed the same form on 22 August.
The Master Contract of port workers in the region expires on 30 September, and strikes could take place as early as 1 October.
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) represents over 65,000 port workers, and a potential strike on the East and Gulf coasts of the US could significantly disrupt cargo transport, leading to delays and economic impacts on the supply chain.
Original article: 06.08.2024
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) has announced preparations for a potential coast-wide strike on 1 October 2024 if a new agreement with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) is not reached.
The ILA’s current labour contract, covering port 45,000 union members across the US East Coast, expires on 30 September 2024.
Meanwhile, the ILA said it will hold Wage Scale Committee Meetings on the 4th and 5th of September to review demands and prepare for the strike.
ILA President Harold J. Daggett emphasised the union’s commitment to securing a favourable contract in a recent statement.
“If that means we have to go out on strike October 1st, they are ready to ‘hit the streets’ if our demands are not met,” says Daggett.
The union’s last strike occurred in 1977, making this potential strike a significant event for the industry.
Earlier in July, Dagget highlighted the crucial role dockworkers play in shipping companies' success and called for better contracts.
In addition to wages, one critical issue the union seeks improvement on is port automation, fearing it will replace dockworkers and threaten their jobs.
