East Coast Port Labor Negotiations Go to Mediation

In August, both the International Longshoreman’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) filed forms with the Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service (FMCS) requesting mediation to help resolve labor negotiations impacting East and Gulf Coast ports. The USMA and ILA have been attempting to negotiate a new labor agreement ahead of the October 1^st expiration of the current contract but talks broke down in June. Wage levels and implementation of automation are two of the main sticking points. There is hope that bringing in a mediator will enable the parties to reach an agreement and avoid a possible work stoppage. GCCA is closely monitoring the situation and encourages the parties to stay at the negotiating table to reach an agreement.