Nearly 300 International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) Wage Scale Delegates ended their two-day Wage Scale Meetings in Teaneck, New Jersey, on Sept. 5 by unanimously supporting International President Harold J. Daggett’s call for a blanket East and Gulf Coast strike on Oct. 1, if a new agreement with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) cannot be reached by that time.
Sept. 30 will mark the expiration of the current six-year dockworkers labor agreement.
USMX said it is prepared to resume contract negotiations with the ILA to avoid a strike. The union has not carried out a coastwise strike in nearly 50 years.
Dockworker employer USMX said its current proposal offers “industry leading” wage increases, retention of existing technology language (no fully automated terminals and no implementation of semi-automated equipment or technology/automation without agreement by both parties to workforce protections and staffing levels), increases to employer retirement contributions, higher starting wages, and continuation of premier health care coverage.
The NCBFAA Transportation Committee continues to monitor these ongoing negotiations. In recent months, NCBFAA has worked with other trade associations to warn both the White House and Congressional leaders about the severe economic impacts that would occur if the ILA should commence a strike on Oct. 1.
As a U.S. Customs Broker and Freight Forwarder, our company, John S. James Co., being in business for over 80 years, has worked through port strikes before, and will continue to help our clients and prospects in whatever way they require.
Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.
