East/Gulf Coast Longshoremen’s Contract Talks at a Standstill
Hear/Download the Audio Report HERE.
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), which represents workers at ports throughout the East and Gulf Coasts, recently canceled contract talks with terminal operators represented by the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). The current five-year labor contract between ILA and USMX expires Sept. 30, and negotiations on a new agreement had been set to open June 11. The impasse is over what ILA contends are efforts to automate additional port services, and the union says it will not return to the bargaining table until these issues are resolved.
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom explains that this is a major concern for meat exporters and for all of U.S. agriculture. He notes that while West Coast ports are the most active for red meat exports, the East and Gulf Coast ports are also critical. About 45% of waterborne pork exports utilize these ports, as well as more than 25% of waterborne beef exports. Halstrom adds that this situation is especially concerning because ILA leadership has stated that longshoremen will not move any cargo past the contract expiration date.