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Strike looms at United States East Coast, Gulf of Mexico ports

Talks between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), which represents 45,000 port workers, and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) company group appear deadlocked on wage issues ahead of a Sept. 30 due date to reach a new contract offer.

The union, which represents dockworkers throughout 36 ports on the U.S. East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico, threatens to strike on Oct. 1. If its members stroll off the job at ports stretching from Maine to Texas, it would be the very first coast-wide ILA strike since 1977.

The affected ports procedure more than half of U.S. ocean trade and a prevalent work interruption would overthrow transportation schedules, hold-up products for throughout a broad swath of industries and send out shipping expenses greater. All of that might suggest shortages and greater costs for customers.

Here's a short rundown of occasions leading up to the potential strike: May 13, 2024

The ILA and the USMX say they will start bargaining after May 17 with the objective of forging a new deal before the existing six-year agreement ends on Sept. 30.

June 10, 2024

The ILA halts negotiations amid disagreements connected to automation, after finding that operator APM's terminals and container shipping business Maersk Line were using an Automobile Gate system that processes trucks without labor. June 11, 2024

The USMX says some concerns will require additional discussion in between the local parties, including that it looks forward to re-engage with the bargaining committee. July 12, 2024

ILA President and chief arbitrator Harold Daggett states the hazard of an Oct. 1 strike is growing after the violation of its contract by some of USMX members, which caused it to cancel negotiations earlier. August 23, 2024

The USMX says it has actually been not able to protect a conference with the ILA to resume negotiations.

September 5, 2024

Almost 300 ILA delegates end their two-day wage scale conferences with unanimous assistance for President Daggett's require an Oct. 1 strike if an arrangement is not reached. September 23, 2024

The ILA says it has held numerous discussions with the USMX in recent weeks and adds that a stalemate remains over wages, with the employer group continuing to offer an. unacceptable wage boost bundle.. September 24, 2024

The White Home says it will not attempt to broker an offer. in between the 2 celebrations. September 25, 2024

Agriculture groups advise the White House to act to avert the. potential strike.

September 26, 2024

The USMX files an unjust labor practice charge with the. National Labor Relations Board to bring ILA back to the. bargaining table.

(source: Reuters)