The International Longshoremen’s Association has broken off contract negotiations with East and Gulf Coast port employers, accusing them of pushing automation technology into a new coastwise labor pact that would eliminate union jobs.

The ILA and employers, represented by the United States Maritime Alliance, resumed bargaining on a new six-year master contract covering 45,000 union workers at dozens of East and Gulf Coast ports.

It was reported that USMX introduced language in their proposal for semi-automated equipment to be used at ILA ports, which the ILA union outright rejected, stating this was another attempt by USMX to eliminate ILA jobs with automation.

The ILA has been adamant that it will not permit automation technology as part of a new coastwise contract. The earlier 3-day strike ended when the Biden administration officials got the sides to agree to extend the current contract through January 15, 2025. At the time the strike ended, the union  and employers agreed on a 62% pay hike over the life of the new contract.

“While we had positive progress on a number of issues, we were unable to make significant progress on our discussions that focused on a range of technology issues,” USMX said in a release. “Unfortunately, the ILA is insisting on an agreement that would move our industry backward by restricting future use of technology that has existed in some of our ports for nearly two decades ­– making it impossible to evolve to meet the nation’s future supply chain demands.

“The USMX has been clear that we are not seeking technology that would eliminate jobs. What we need is continued modernization that is essential to improve worker safety, increase efficiency in a way that protects and grows jobs, keeps supply chains strong, and increases capacity that will financially benefit American businesses and workers alike.