Client Advisory: ILA Contract to Expire Sept. 30 – Updated Sept. 12

WHAT’S THE LATEST

The International Longshoremen’s Association’s (ILA) current labor contract covering union members across the US East Coast and Gulf Ports, expires on September 30. If a new agreement with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) is not reached by then, ILA is preparing for a potential coast-wide strike on October 1.

Update as of 9/12: On 9/5, ILA President Harold J. Daggett affirmed that the ILA will “most definitely” strike if its demands are not met.

WHAT WE KNOW

• As of 8/30, the ILA filed the required notifications with government agencies and negotiating parties regarding the possibility of a strike if no new agreement is reached.
  • Due to a ‘no strike’ clause in effect until the current contract’s expiration, no labor action is expected before October 1.
• The filing of these notifications does not necessarily indicate that a strike will occur.
• Despite a history of successful negotiations, a strike affecting all the main ports along the US East and Gulf coasts remains a possibility without a settled contract.

WHAT'S NEXT?

As your logistics partner, we are ready and able to pivot quickly. Our team is monitoring the situation closely, hoping the negotiations between all parties will be resolved before the expiration of the current contract. In the event of labor disruptions, we’re prepared to implement contingency plans to ensure continuity of our export and import services where an alternative routing is possible.

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.