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US ports strike is off – for now
[ October 4, 2024 // Gary G Burrows ]The International Longshoremen’s Association has suspended its strike that has shut ports on the US East and Gulf coasts since 1 October.
The union has agreed to resume working until 15 January during which time it will negotiate a new six-year contract with the US Maritime Alliance.
The strike was called over wage demands and for an agreement on the use of automated handling equipment in ports.
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) welcomed the news but president and chief executive Cary Davis cautioned: “As it takes some time for operations to return to normal, we must be patient and are also reminded once again that our system is resilient and can withstand short and contained impediments. However, we are glad the strike has ended, and AAPA sincerely thanks the USMX and ILA for coming together and negotiating an agreement.”
While ports have a limited role in labour negotiations and most do not directly employ labor, AAPA sent President Biden a letter, prior to the strike, highlighting the potentially devastating impacts of a protracted strike on our nation’s supply chain and economy.
Ship operators were reported to be anchoring vessels outside affected ports, possibly in anticipation of an early end to the stoppage.