Client Advisory: ILA Strike Ends at East & Gulf Coast Ports – Updated October 4

WHAT’S THE LATEST

From October 1 - 3, roughly 25,000 International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) union members across US East and Gulf Coast ports went on strike as they were unable to reach a new labor agreement with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX).

Update as of 10/4: On Thursday evening, the ILA and USMX have reached a tentative deal on wages and the port strike has been suspended. Both sides agreed to extend their current master contract until January 15, 2025, and will return to the bargaining table to negotiate a formal deal.

WHAT WE KNOW

• Dockworkers have returned to work and most US East and Gulf ports have reopened.
  • The Ports of New York/New Jersey and Norfolk are expected to take an additional 1-2 days to fully restore operations.
• Although the strike lasted just three days, it may take close to a month to clear the backlog of container ships, with priority given to military supplies, pharmaceuticals and refrigerated goods.
  • As of 10/3, approximately 59 container ships were still waiting to be unloaded at US ports, a significant increase from just three vessels before the strike began.

WHAT'S NEXT?

As your logistics partner, we are ready and able to pivot quickly. Our team is working directly with clients to address their specific needs as ports continue to clear the backlog of containers.

We will frequently communicate and advise on the situation as more details become available.

If you have questions, please reach out to your SEKO representative, or email us at hello@sekologistics.com.