The labor union representing the 45,000 U.S. dockworkers who went on strike in the fall is returning to the negotiating table with port employers amid threats of carrying out another strike at East and Gulf Coast ports this month. The International Longshoreman's Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) will resume contract discussions on January 7 after talks broke down in November. The deadline to reach a deal before another strike is January 15th.
The initial strike was over wages, use of automated technology, and other labor issues. A tentative deal was signed in October, giving workers a 62% wage hike over six years, but left issues related to automation unresolved. The main point of contention between the two sides is still automation. If a second strike occurs, the wage agreement agreed to in principle that ended the first strike would be taken off the table, and both sides would be back at square one.
President-elect Trump has expressed his support for dockworkers' pushback against automation at U.S. ports after meeting with ILA President Harold Daggett and Executive Vice President Dennis Daggett. Trump believes that the cost savings from automation are not worth the harm it causes to American workers, particularly the Longshoremen. He advocates for foreign companies to invest in American workers rather than machinery.
Overall, the situation remains tense as negotiations resume between the ILA and USMX. Both parties must find a way to address the concerns of the dockworkers while also meeting the needs of the port employers. The outcome of these negotiations could have significant implications for the future of automation in the industry and the well-being of American workers.