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US Port Strike : Talks Break Down Again

Talks to avoid a continuation of the US East and Gulf Coast port strike have broken down, while the port strikes in Canada, which have been heavily disrupting logistics in the country, have come to an end.

USA

The likelihood of a continuation of October’s US East and Gulf Coast port strike has increased in the past week, after talks broke down between the ILA union and USMX.

After three days of striking, port workers agreed to suspend the strike, after wage levels were agreed, until January 15th, while the two parties attempt to negotiate “all other outstanding issues”.

However, the latest round of talks ended without an agreement being reached on port automation. The ILA continues to stringently oppose any kind of automation, believing that this would lead to job losses, and the USMX argue that automation is essential for safety and efficiency.

Talks should continue before the January deadline, but many industry stakeholders are fearful that more strike action could be on the cards for the new year.

 

Canada

Ports throughout the country resumed operations this past weekend, but a huge backlog of containers at Montreal and Vancouver will likely mean service disruption continues for the next few weeks.

Through the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), the government ordered a return to work after a series of walkouts and strikes have been severely hampering ocean and rail freight services during recent times.

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