The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) is preparing for a strike impacting all the East and Gulf Coast ports. At issue is the apparent inability to negotiate a new labor agreement to replace the current six-year contract that expires at the end of September. The ILA Union has issued a statement that they intend to strike after expiration of the contract unless an agreement can be reached with the United States Maritime Alliance representing employers and port operators.
As with the West Coast ports, issues include job security with increasing levels of automation, wages and benefits.
The ILA is conforming to legislation that requires a sixty-day notice to employers in advance of a possible strike before initiation of a September 4th round of negotiations.
It is evident that a strike would impact cargo handling at all East Coast and Gulf ports, impacting the U.S. economy, an especially important consideration in an election year.