Port workers threaten strike as negotiations resume

In the United States, longshoremen reached a tentative deal with shipping and port companies along the East and Gulf Coasts, avoiding a potentially crippling strike. This agreement was made on January 9, 2025, and covers a six-year contract, though it is subject to ratification by union members. The International Longshoremen's Association represents 50,000 workers across 14 ports from Maine to Texas and had been threatening to strike if an agreement was not reached by January 15, 2025. The previous contract had expired on September 30, 2024, after a three-day strike in October 2024, which had caused significant disruptions to cargo and container flow, affecting U.S. imports and exports. The ongoing negotiations prior to the tentative deal had focused on critical issues such as wages and the increased role of automation in the workforce. The deal reportedly addresses worker concerns about automation while protecting current jobs. In the past, wage increases were agreed upon, with a notable 62% increase over the six-year period, but the issue of automation had remained unresolved. Union members had previously expressed skepticism about the impact of such technology on their jobs. A joint statement from the ILA and USMX expressed satisfaction with the agreement, emphasizing that it establishes a framework for future technology while safeguarding jobs, thereby helping to maintain the strength of U.S. supply chains. President Joe Biden praised the pact, recognizing it as a prime example of successful collective bargaining, while also commending dockworkers for their role in keeping ports operational during the pandemic. Harold J. Daggett, president of the ILA, credited the support from President-Elect Donald Trump during negotiations as a significant factor in reaching the agreement. With the ratification process still pending, both sides are ensuring their members can review the terms before making an official commitment. The agreed terms remain undisclosed to give members a fair chance to consider the proposed contract before any voting takes place.