The International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance are set to discuss contract negotiations on January 7th, as tensions rise over unresolved issues surrounding automation at port terminals.
Representing over 45,000 dockworkers across the U.S. East and Gulf coasts, the ILA reached a tentative deal with USMX in October that included a 62% wage increase over six years. While the agreement temporarily ended a three-day strike, disputes over automation remain a difficult point.
The USMX argues that technological advancements are essential to maintaining the competitiveness of U.S. ports and do not negatively impact longshore employment. However, the ILA remains firm in its stance against automation’s potential impact on job security.
With the January 15th deadline looming, the risk of another coast-wide strike threatens to disrupt billions of dollars in trade, cause supply chain issues, and cause prices to rise even more.
Stay tuned to Radius International for updates.
