US East and Gulf Coast Strike Threat Increases

Talks between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have stalled according to a recent Journal of Commerce article. Two major objectives were agreed to in principle back in July - a framework for continued automation and protection of ILA jurisdiction over chassis maintenance and repair.

At issue remain such management concerns as hourly guarantees, staffing requirements and other work rules.

With the contract set to expire the end of this month, ports are already making preparation. For example, the Virginia Port Authority (VPA) has started the process of preparing the state-owned cargo terminals in the Hampton Roads Harbor for a strike. Basically, the focus of the plan is to move as much cargo through the port as reasonably possible up to the strike deadline. According to officials, “We believe our customers will immediately make plans to shift a portion of their cargo to West Coast ports – from 10% to 15%,”

 

For additional information - check out the Aug. 23rd blog entry and Ti brief, "East and Gulf Coast Ports Prepare for Possible Strike"

Also, the Journal of Commerce is providing excellent ongoing coverage of the situation: www.joc.com

 

We'd like to hear from you -

What changes have you made? Who will be the winners? If there is a strike, how long do you think it will last?

Also, if you have questions, post them and we'll get them answered for you.

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