ILA – USMX agreement ends strike threat

Shippers who rely on US East Coast and Gulf ports were able to breathe a sigh of relief last Wednesday night when the ILA and USMX announced a tentative agreement for a new six year contract, ending the strike threat and extending the existing contract through the review and ratification period that is required by both parties and will begin shortly. 

The sides had appeared far apart on the role of port automation, with the USMX seeking the introduction of technologies to make the ports more efficient, and the union rejecting even semi-automated operations that could eliminate jobs. But secret meetings by representatives last Sunday yielded language for a compromise that ultimately led to the Wednesday night announcement.

Details of the agreement are being withheld during ratification, but the joint statement explained that the agreement will protect current jobs and establish a framework for implementing technologies that will create more jobs and moderni…