ILA, port operators reach tentative deal to avoid strike

On Oct. 1, ILA members launched a work stoppage that shut down every major port on the eastern and southern coasts of the US, threatening significant supply chain disruptions.

The ILA was seeking higher wages as well as limits to automation, which the union sees as a threat to jobs.

The strike had targeted container terminals and not the breakbulk facilities that handle the bulk of steel shipments. But parties across the steel and ferrous scrap supply chain could have been severely impacted if the strike had dragged on.

After the three-day strike, the union and USMX agreed to extend the current contract until Jan. 15 to allow more time to negotiate other outstanding issues.

“We are pleased to announce that ILA and USMX have reached a tentative agreement on a new six-year ILA-USMX Master Contract, subject to ratification, thus averting any work stoppage on Jan. 15, 2025,” the two sides said in a joint statement.

“This agreement protects current ILA jobs and establishes a framework for implementing technologies that will create more jobs while modernizing East and Gulf coast ports – making them safer and more efficient, and creating the capacity they need to keep our supply chains strong.”

“This is a win-win agreement that creates ILA jobs, supports American consumers and businesses, and keeps the American economy the key hub of the global marketplace.”

The ILA and USMX did not return calls for comment.