Increasing Fears Of A US East Coast Port Strike

Fears of a strike at US east and gulf coast ports from October 1st are increasing, as the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) seem no nearer reaching an agreement over new contracts.

In a letter to members at the weekend, the ILA’s president seemingly doubled down on the strike threat stating that the USMX’s “corporate greed has made them delusional” and that their recent press release was “nothing more than propaganda”.

While wages are at the heart of the dispute, the union are staunchly opposed to any form of semi or full automation, arguing that USMX members should have seeked agreement with the union before investing in new equipment.

The union also argues that existing healthcare provisions are inadequate, the proposal to put cameras in workstations is a question of control and not safety, and are seeking a resolution to what they describe as a “constant battle over pensions”.

Talks have broken down between the parties and the existing contracts are currently set to expire on 30th September, a day before the proposed strike date.

The ILA union represent over 85,000 workers and a strike would effectively halt operations at 36 ports on the US east and gulf coast, which would cripple ocean freight services in and out of the country.

The teams at Atlantic Pacific UK and US are monitoring developments closely.