Strike becoming ‘more likely’ at U.S. Atlantic and Gulf port

The leader of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) says the threat of a strike at all U.S. Atlantic and Gulf Coast Ports is becoming more likely as time is growing short before the current contract expires Sept. 30.

Harold J. Daggett, ILA president and the union’s chief negotiator, said the employers represented by United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) are running out of time to negotiate a new master contract agreement and avoid and coastwide strike on Oct. 1.

“Only 80 days remain before the end of our current contract and we are waiting on USMX,” said Daggett. “The actions of violating our current master contract by some of their members caused us to cancel scheduled negotiations with USMX in early June.”

The ILA canceled master contract talks with USMX after discovering that APM Terminals and Maersk Line were utilizing an auto gate system, which autonomously processes trucks without ILA labour. This system, initially identified at the Port of Mobile, Alabama, is reportedly being used in other ports as well. The ILA said on June 10 it would not meet with USMX until the auto gate issue is resolved.

Additionally, the union is still waiting on results from an audit for jobs created out of new technology, a report they have been anticipating for almost two contract periods. The ILA has observed an increasing number of IT personnel on marine terminals, with concerns that APM and Maersk’s IT departments in Charlotte, N.C., are encroaching on their jurisdiction.

Daggett said the ILA rank-and-file members are 100 per cent behind him and are willing the “hit the streets” Oct. 1 if the union’s contract demands are not met.

“We will not entertain any discussions about extending the current contract, nor are we interested in any help from outside agencies to interfere in our negotiations with USMX,” said Daggett. “This includes the Biden Administration and the Department of Labor.”