East & Gulf Coast Labor Updates: ILA & USMX News and Insights
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) labor contracts with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) will expire on September 30, 2024. Negotiations for a new contract have been stalled over key issues, including wages and automation, and the deadline is rapidly approaching. With no resolution in sight, shippers are bracing for a potential strike at U.S. East and Gulf coast ports. The looming strike could severely impact 60% of the country’s container volume causing major disruption across the U.S. supply chain.
Unlike previous disputes, both sides are standing firm, and the government has advised it will not intervene making the likelihood of a strike more imminent. If a labor strike takes place on October 1, 2024, it will effectively shut down operations at U.S. East and Gulf coast ports. This disruption comes at a time when many businesses are stocking up for the peak season and could face significant delays and increased costs.
Some U.S. importers and exporters have already expedited shipments, while others have rerouted shipments to the already busy U.S. West coast or delayed shipping altogether. However, there is still a significant volume of cargo already enroute on vessels to the East and Gulf coast ports.
As the deadline for a new agreement draws near, it’s essential for shippers to review their supply chain strategies and make contingency plans. There are still proactive measures that shippers can take for cargo that has not yet shipped or for future shipments if a strike ensues for an extended period. Alternate options could be Air Freight, Rerouting to the West Coast, and Intermodal Cross-Border solutions – all of which carry their own challenges and costs.
Please be aware of the significant impact an ILA labor strike could have on the U.S. supply chain. If you have shipments routed to/from the U.S. East and Gulf coast ports on or near October 1st, please contact your John S. James Co. representative to review the situation.
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“US port strike ends after three days but backlog will take weeks to clear”
“Box Lines Declare Force Majeure as U.S. Dockworker Strike Enters Day 2”
“Update 7.. Notifications.. Booking Acceptance.. Exports from the U.S.. Imports to the U.S… Equipment.. Operational Updates..
“We cannot agree to preconditions to return to bargaining – but we remain committed to bargaining in good faith to address the ILA’s demands and USMX’s concerns”
“East and Gulf coast ports strike, with ILA longshoremen walking off job from New England to Texas, stranding billions in trade“
Strike Updates
“CBP Provides Cargo Processing Guidelines for Use During U.S. East-Gulf Coast Strike”
“Port Workers at Montreal to Begin Three-Day Strike on Monday”
“USMX has filed a request for an injunction with NLRB to compel the union to the bargaining table, claiming the union is refusing to negotiate.”
“All FMC Statutes and Regulations Remain in Full Effect in the Event of Terminal Closures Related to Possible Work Stoppage”
“Freight Forward – Strike Growing More Likely; industry-related round-up”
“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”
“Largest port on U.S. East Coast, New York/New Jersey, begins prepping for what could be first union strike since 1977”
“Carriers Announce Disruption Surcharges for USEC Cargo as Strike Looms”
“Full Text of USMX & ILA Statements”
“GPA Contingency Plans for Possible Work Stoppage on October 1”
“USMX Statement in Response to Joint Association Coalition Letter”
“U.S. Dockworkers Are Bracing for a Strike at Major American Ports”
“Union Reps Back East and Gulf Coast Dock Strike”
“Little Cause for Optimism as Clock Ticks Toward ILA Contract Expiration”
“ILA Rolls Out Strike Mobilization Plan”
“USMX Ready to Resume East/Gulf Coast Labor Negotiations”
“Shippers Seek Alternatives as East Coast Port Strike Looms”
“the USMX Members List the ILA is Striking Against..”
“Half a Century Later, ILA Returns to Strike Mode”
Official Websites for More Details
