Ocean Shipping
Original article 10th September:
The threat of a port strike at US east and gulf coast ports is looking increasingly likely from October 1st, as the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) appear to be far from reaching an agreement over new contracts.
The ILA’s president seems to have increased the rhetoric when writing to members this past weekend, by accusing the USMX’s of being delusional and stating that their recent press release was “nothing more than propaganda”.
Wage increases are at the centre of the union's demands, along with a strong opposition to any form of automation, where the ILA suggest that USMX members should have to seek agreement with the union before they invest in new equipment.
The ILA, who represent more than 85,000 port workers, go on to suggest that existing healthcare provisions are inadequate and proposals to put cameras in workstations is a question of control and not safety. They have also shared their disappointment in what they describe as a “constant battle over pensions”.
Talks have already broken down between the two organisations, with the current contracts set to expire on 30th September. Should a strike go ahead, then operations at 36 ports on the US east and gulf coasts could come to a halt, including 6 of the country's main 10 ports.
Naturally, the Croft Cargo team are hoping that a resolution can still be found, and are monitoring developments closely.
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