The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) announced Tuesday that it has ended negotiations with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) due to ongoing disputes over automation language in contract proposals. The union’s decision comes after USMX continued to push for automation and semi-automation provisions that the ILA argues would threaten jobs.
In early October, following a three-day strike that affected all ILA-USMX ports along the Atlantic and Gulf Coast, the two parties reached a tentative wage agreement and extended their Master Contract until January 15, 2025. They were scheduled to meet for four days this week in New Jersey to discuss remaining issues for a new six-year contract.
ILA President Harold Daggett had emphasized the need for “absolute airtight language” to ensure no automation or semi-automation would be implemented at U.S. ports. However, during the latest negotiations, ILA representatives stated that USMX introduced proposals for semi-automated equipment, which the union promptly rejected.
The ILA characterized this move as a “renewed attempt” by USMX to reduce jobs through automation and subsequently broke off talks. “The ILA’s resolve remains strong not to surrender any ILA jobs,” the union said in a statement. “We are disappointed that USMX would attempt to disregard our well-known position opposing job-cutting automation.”
The ILA further criticized USMX, claiming that employers are prioritizing profits over job security for their workers. “Our employers, raking in billion-dollar profits annually, have exposed their ultimate goal of wanting to eliminate as many ILA jobs as possible,” the statement added.
In response, USMX acknowledged that while there had been positive progress on several issues, the two sides could not agree on technology-related matters. “Unfortunately, the ILA is insisting on an agreement that would move our industry backward by restricting future use of technology,” USMX said. “What we need is continued modernization essential to improve worker safety, increase efficiency, and maintain strong supply chains.”
USMX expressed hope for resuming negotiations with the ILA soon.