With just 7 days away from the ILA-USMX contract expiring, two hundred manufacturers, farmers, agribusinesses, wholesalers, retailers, restaurants, importers, exporters, distributors, transportation and logistics providers, and other supply chain stakeholders have petitioned the White House to help the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) to return to the bargaining table to restart stalled negotiations. 

The United States Maritime Alliance stated in a press release that “Despite additional attempts by USMX to engage with the ILA and resume bargaining, we have been unable to schedule a meeting to continue negotiations on a new Master Contract. We remain prepared to bargain at any time, but both sides must come to the table if we are going to reach a deal, and there is no indication that the ILA is interested in negotiating at this time. Our goal remains the same – we want to bargain and avoid a strike, but time is running out if the ILA is unwilling to return to the table.”

ILA’s Executive Vice President, Dennis A. Daggett says Union will be on “Right Side of History” if it must strike on October 1, 2024; we are about to engage in one of the toughest battles our union has faced in decades. Strikes are never easy, but in today’s world, with labor laws stacked against us and corporate greed at an all-time high, it remains one of the most powerful tools we have in our fight for justice.”

The ILA says USMX has refused to address a number of outstanding issues including wages, benefits, automation, pensions and cameras in work areas, issues that are blocking a new contract.

The Federal Maritime Commission stresses that Regulated entities are reminded that all statutes and regulations administered by the Federal Maritime Commission remain in effect during any terminal closures related to potential work stoppage at ports in the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico regions.

FMC regulations require that demurrage and detention fees serve as legitimate financial incentives to encourage cargo movement. Pursuant to these requirements, the Commission will scrutinize any demurrage and detention charges assessed during terminal closures.

John S. Connor will continue to monitor these ongoing negotiations and advise as new developments occur.

Sources: AJOT Insights, Federal Maritime Commission, United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. and ILA.