As the January 15, 2025, deadline approaches, disagreements between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) remain a significant concern for supply chain stakeholders. While progress has been made on many aspects of a new agreement, policies around automation and modernization at ports have stalled negotiations.
GCCA, along with over 150 organizations spanning agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, and retail sectors, signed a December 6 letter urging the ILA and USMX to return to the bargaining table. The letter emphasizes the detrimental effects of failing to reach an agreement, including uncertainty and rising costs caused by mitigation efforts following the October strike. It also highlights the importance of port modernization to maintain global competitiveness and accommodate increasing trade volumes.
The ILA recently highlighted a statement from President-elect Donald Trump in a Facebook post, underscoring their stance against increased automation. Trump expressed support for the union’s concerns, stating, “We must protect American jobs and workers,” a sentiment that resonates with many in the labor community. You can view the post here. USMX released a statement on December 12 affirming their commitment to maintaining operational efficiency and supporting economic growth through technological advancements. The alliance reiterated the importance of modernization to ensure long-term sustainability and global competitiveness. USMX’s statement stresses their willingness to negotiate a balanced agreement while protecting economic interests.
