29th September Update:
The International Longshoremen’s Association union advised on Sunday September 29th that the port strike will be going ahead this week
Original Article 23rd September :
The threat of a major US port strike is looming large, as carriers announce emergency surcharges to apply from October.
New contract talks have completely stalled between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), with existing contracts set to expire in one week, on September 30th.
The dispute, over wage demands, bonuses, pensions and the introduction of automation, has resulted in the ILA union threatening a walkout across 36 ports from October 1st.
Last week, the US government confirmed that it would not be intervening, after being lobbied by 177 trade associations urging it to use special powers to act.
The largest port on the East Coast – New York/New Jersey – have confirmed that preparations have been put in place for a complete work stoppage, and ocean freight carriers have been announcing surcharges for ocean freight services to and from North America, Mexico and even the Caribbean – effective from October.
The impact of a strike of this magnitude would seriously disrupt services and a prolonged walkout could be devastating for the US economy. Global Freight Services very much hope that an agreement can be reached in the next few days.
