Union threatens US East and Gulf Coast port strike, stands firm on wage demands

Posted on September 9, 2024   |  

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) is threatening a strike at US east and Gulf coast ports starting October 1 due to stalled wage talks.

The current contract for about 45,000 dockworkers at key US ports expires on September 30.

Maersk warns that a strike, even lasting a week, could lead to recovery delays of four to six weeks and significant backlogs.

A similar issue in June 2023 resulted in a 6-year labor contract for 29 US West Coast ports after prolonged negotiations and disruptions.

In Canada, foremen at British Columbia’s ports have voted to strike if necessary due to labor disputes with employers.

These disputes risk major disruptions to global container shipping.