by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

In an attempt to bring the ILA to the bargaining table, the USMX filed an Unfair Labour Practice (ULP) charge with the National Labour Relations Board (NLRB).

While this step does not prevent the ILA from going on strike on 1 October, it allows the NLRB to open an investigation into any unfair practices under the National Labour Relations Act.

In its statement, the USMX said, "Due to the ILA's repeated refusal to come to the table and bargain on a new Master Contract, USMX filed an Unfair Labour Practice (ULP) charge with the National Labour Relations Board (NLRB) and requested immediate injunctive relief – requiring the Union to resume bargaining – so that we can negotiate a deal."

In response to the USMX, the ILA described the suit as "another publicity stunt."

"USMX filing these charges four days before the expiration of the current Master Contract clearly illustrates what poor negotiating partners they have been," the ILA said.

The USMX's charge filing could take months to resolve, reports the Journal of Commerce (JOC).

Before it can be filed as a formal complaint and assigned to an administrative law judge, the Board needs to look into the two parties' bargaining process. 

In the meantime, East Coast ports have already announced several measures to prepare for the potential strike.

Kuehne+Nagel is monitoring the situation closely and will report any updates as soon as they become available. Our latest customer advisory is available here.