Strike looms on US East Coast, Gulf of Mexico ports By Reuters

(Reuters) – Talks between the International Liquidators Association (ILA), which represents 45,000 dock workers, and employers’ group the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) appear to be deadlocked over pay issues ahead of a Sept. 30 deadline for to reach a new contract.

The union, which represents dockworkers at 36 ports on the US East Coast and Gulf of Mexico, is threatening to strike on October 1. If its members walk off the job at ports stretching from Maine to Texas, it would be the first coast. ILA general strike of 1977.

The affected ports process more than half of US ocean trade, and a blanket shutdown would alter shipping schedules, delay cargo for a wide range of industries and drive up shipping costs. All of this could mean shortages and higher costs for consumers.

Here’s a rundown of the events leading up to the potential strike:

May 13, 2024

The ILA and USMX say they will begin negotiations after May 17 with the goal of reaching a new deal before the current six-year contract expires on September 30.

June 10, 2024

The ILA is halting negotiations amid disputes over automation after it discovered that terminal operator APM and container shipping company Maersk Line were using an Auto Gate system that processes trucks without labour.

June 11, 2024

USMX says some issues will require further conversations between local parties, adding that it looks forward to re-engaging with the bargaining committee.

July 12, 2024

ILA President and Chief Negotiator Harold Daggett says the threat of an Oct. 1 strike is growing after some USMX members breached his contract, prompting the cancellation of negotiations earlier.

August 23, 2024

USMX says it has been unable to secure a meeting with the ILA to resume negotiations.

September 5, 2024

Nearly 300 ILA delegates conclude their two-day meetings on the pay scale with unanimous support for President Daggett’s call for an October 1 strike if no agreement is reached.

September 23, 2024

The ILA says it has held several conversations with the USMX in recent weeks and adds that an impasse remains over wages, with the employers’ group continuing to offer “an unacceptable wage increase package.”

September 24, 2024

The White House says it will not try to negotiate a deal between the two sides.

September 25, 2024

Farm groups are urging the White House to act to prevent a potential strike.

September 26, 2024

USMX files an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board to bring the ILA back to the bargaining table.