Ports say New Contact is Still Within Reach…

Image: TravelScape by Freepik

With the current contract expiring on September 30, East and Gulf Coast ports face the possibility of a dock strike. The United States Maritime Exchange (USMX) urged the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) to return to negotiations, emphasizing that a new contract is still possible. The ILA, representing 45,000 workers, has set an October 1 strike deadline, accusing employers of prioritizing profits over workers. A significant pay raise of 77% over six years has been requested by the ILA, while employers have yet to reveal their proposals. Container royalties, a supplemental wage, are another point of contention. Both sides are under pressure to avoid a strike that could have costly impacts, but progress in negotiations remains unclear.

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