The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have been engaged in negotiations concerning East and Gulf Coast marine terminals. However, recent developments have led to a halt in these discussions, raising concerns within the industry.
On June 11th, the ILA decided to cease talks with USMX. This decision comes after a period of relative calm on the East and Gulf Coast. The ILA president had previously stated that once local longshore contracts were negotiated, more challenging negotiations for a master contract would commence. A key issue in these negotiations is the question of automation at all East and Gulf Coast ports. The ILA president has pledged to address, limit, and possibly roll back automation, a move that could have significant implications for the industry.
The ILA’s press release outlines their objectives in detail, providing insight into their stance on the matter. The full impact of this development will become clearer in the coming weeks as the situation continues to unfold.
This breakdown in negotiations between the ILA and USMX is a significant issue for the industry. As an organization, we are committed to keeping you informed about these developments. For more information, please refer to the official press release on the USMX website.
