The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) remain locked in a stalemate over the implementation of semi-automated rail-mounted gantry cranes (RMGs).
After an October 2024 three-day strike, the two sides agreed to extend their master contract deadline to January 15, 2025, in hopes of resolving the dispute. However, recent talks have broken down, with the ILA accusing USMX of reneging on prior assurances by reintroducing automation plans mid-negotiation.
ILA President Harold Daggett has signaled the possibility of another strike, calling automation a direct threat to workers’ survival. Daggett emphasized that while the union supports modernization and innovation, it opposes technology that risks jobs, undermines national security, and jeopardizes the workforce’s future.
USMX, on the other hand, insists that automation is vital for boosting port efficiency and meeting increasing cargo demands without expanding land use. Citing the success of a port that doubled its capacity after adopting semi-automated cranes, USMX argues that limiting technology would stifle economic growth and reduce competitiveness.
With less than six weeks remaining to reach an agreement, the clock is ticking toward the January 15 deadline. A strike at that time would disrupt the U.S. supply chain and economy, potentially occurring just days before the next U.S. presidential inauguration. Both sides face mounting pressure to find common ground and avoid further escalation.
Source: maritime-executive.com