Shippers call for urgent negotiations at East and Gulf Coast ports to avoid strike

Posted on December 9, 2024   |  

Shippers are urging East and Gulf Coast port employers and union workers to resume negotiations to avoid another port strike.

After a 3-day strike in October, terminal operators and ocean lines agreed to a contract extension.

The union accepted a 62% pay increase over six years in a new master contract covering 45,000 dockworkers.

Negotiations on other issues, especially port automation, have resumed.

Talks broke down on Nov. 13 over employer demands to implement semi-automated container cranes.

The USMX responded, stating that these cranes are needed to improve efficiency and create jobs.