U.S. East Coast port union strike threat to test shippers’ nerves

Labor talks at U.S. ports on the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico are a looming risk for retailers, manufacturers and other shippers already grappling with longer transit times and higher costs.

The International Longshoremen’s Association contract covering 45,000 dockworkers at three dozen ports stretching from Maine to Texas expires on Sept. 30. If there is no deal by then, the union could call a strike that would hit during the vital holiday container shipping season and labor-friendly U.S. President Joe Biden’s bid for reelection.

The ILA on Monday called off this week’s planned start of talks with the U.S. Maritime Alliance, citing one member of that employer group’s use of automation technology in violation of prior agreements.

ILA President Harold Daggett previously warned that members would strike if a deal is not reached before the current contract lapses. He has alerted locals at vital trade hubs like New York/New Jersey and Houston to be ready to strike on Oct. 1, the union said.
more at: https://www.reuters.com/markets/us-east-coast-port-union-strike-threat-test-shippers-nerves-2024-06-13/

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