Port of New York and New Jersey

Port of New York and New Jersey ( Source: WorldCargoNews)

 

The union representing 45,000 stevedores on the US East and Gulf Coasts and a group representing the port operators - the employers - will resume talks next month to reach a new six-year contract before the January 15 deadline.

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) union agreed to end a three-day strike on October 3 after winning a 62% wage increase over six years with employers group the Maritime Alliance of America following significant engagement from the White House and other Biden administration officials.

The suspension of the first major strike at East and Gulf Coast ports in nearly 50 years temporarily halted the flow of about half of U.S. shipping.

Both sides said in a joint statement that negotiating committees would meet in New Jersey next month to agree on terms that could be presented to workers for approval.

They both said they wanted to reach a new deal as soon as possible but would not discuss any issues before resuming talks.

Officials told Reuters that the main remaining issue was the use of automation at ports. A senior official said the Biden administration is concerned about the possibility of a new round of work stoppages next year.

The union had previously asked the employer group to halt port automation projects that it said threatened jobs.

The tentative deal, announced earlier this month, would raise the average wage to about $63 an hour from $39 an hour over the life of the contract. That depends on whether remaining issues are resolved.

The union had sought a 77% increase, while the employer group had previously increased its offer to nearly 50%.

 

Read more:

 

Source: Phaata.com (via Reuters/Marinelink)

Phaata.com - Vietnam's First International Logistics Marketplace

► Find Better Freight Rates & Logistics Services!