Differences of opinion and the interruption of discussions have raised concerns among retailers about the possibility of a strike, even if this possibility seemed remote. Unlike the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) on the west coast of the United States, which staged a disruptive strike in 2015, the ILA has not organized a union walkout for more than 40 years (although New Yorkers staged a strike in 2016). The national union almost began a work operation during the last round of contract negotiations in 2012, when ILA and USMX could not reach an agreement before the contract deadline, but both sides agreed on a series of extensions to keep freight moving while discussions continued. Ila Executive Vice President Dennis Daggett highlights the key terms of the contract in a video and says it is the first employment contract to have such protection. “We cannot quantify the value of the safeguards we received during automation,” he said in the video. The interim agreement, which has yet to be ratified by ILA members and USMX port members, came after months that both sides described as “difficult” negotiations. Full details of the agreement were not released, and in a joint statement, ILA President Harold J. Daggett and USMX President David F. Adam simply stated that “we have reached an interim agreement on a six-year master`s degree that is beneficial to both parties.” On Wednesday, the International Longshoremen`s Association (ILA) announced that it had reached an agreement with ports on the east coast of the United States and the Gulf Coast to renew its six-year employment contract, ending uncertainty for shippers, ports and shipping companies well in advance of the expiry date of the current contract. The National Retailers Association congratulated both parties for reaching an agreement and ensuring stability for another six years. “This is good news,” said Jonathan Gold, vice-president of the NRF. “This agreement is very important for retailers who are bringing their holiday products and are concerned that the current contract has expired by mid-season.
Retailers can now expect to receive their products continuously from the supply chain. “@ILAUnion @TheILAmobileApp ILA Locals unanimously issued a six-year executive contract t.co/JUvUAwNFPA American Shipper that “the International Longshoremen`s Association said that members at the ports of Maine, Texas, on Thursday overwhelmingly approved a six-year extension of its contract with the United Nations Alliance for the Sea (USMX).” On the West Coast, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union last year inoculated a three-year contract extension with its port employers and promised a smooth trip until at least July 2022.