National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, Inc. Press Release September 17, 2024
More than 175 trade organizations, including NCBFAA, signed a letter that was sent to President Biden on Tuesday, Sept. 17, urging the administration to aid in facilitating continued master contract negotiations between the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) and International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). If a new contract is not reached before the end of this month, the ILA leadership is prepared to strike container terminals from Maine to Texas, starting Oct. 1.
The trade organizations warned the Biden administration that a “strike at this point in time would have a devastating impact on the economy, especially as inflation is on the downward trend.”
The last time the ILA collectively struck in the East and Gulf Coast ports was in 1977.
“With two weeks left until the ILA-USMX contract expires and the ongoing threat of a coastwide strike beginning on October 1, it is imperative that the administration engage with the parties to quickly negotiate a new deal or agree to continue negotiations while keeping the ports open and cargo flowing,” the trade organizations wrote.
The letter praised the administration for its earlier work to resolve differences between labor unions and employers, such as the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) on the West Coast, Class I railroads and their unions, and UPS and the Teamsters. “While there was an ongoing threat of disruptions during these negotiations, the administration helped to ensure the parties remained at the negotiating table to achieve a final contract. All without a major disruption to the supply chain,” the trade organizations said.
If a strike should occur on Oct. 1, the trade organizations asked the Biden administration to “immediately work with both parties to resume contract negotiations and ensure there is no disruption to port operations and cargo fluidity if a new contract is not reached by the expiration date.”
The NCBFAA Transportation Committee, meanwhile, continues to monitor the ongoing activities of the ILA and USMX on behalf of our members.
Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.
