WHAT’S THE LATEST

On January 7, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) resumed master contract negotiations ahead of the 1/15 expiration of the current contract extension.

Update as of 1/9: Both parties have reached a tentative agreement on a new six-year master contract, averting a strike at major East & Gulf Coast ports.

WHAT WE KNOW

  • Both parties will continue operating under the current contract until a ratification vote is scheduled.
  • The tentative agreement, which includes enhanced protections for workers against job displacement due to automation, will remain confidential until it is reviewed and approved by ILA rank-and-file-members and USMX members.
  • Automation remained the most significant topic under discussion at the bargaining table.
    •  In a joint statement from the ILA and USMX, the agreement “establishes a framework for implementing technologies that will create more jobs while modernizing East and Gulf coasts ports.”

WHAT’S NEXT?

As your logistics partner, we are ready and able to pivot quickly. If you have any questions, please reach out to your SEKO representative, or email us at hello@sekologistics.com.