The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) has abruptly ended contract negotiations with East and Gulf Coast port employers, accusing them of attempting to introduce automation technology into the new labor agreement—something the union says would threaten its members’ jobs.
The talks, which resumed this week in New Jersey between the ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), aimed to establish a six-year master contract for 45,000 union workers across dozens of ports. However, the ILA walked away from the table after USMX proposed incorporating semi-automated equipment at ILA-operated facilities.
In a now-deleted social media statement, the ILA claimed that USMX’s proposal represented a “renewed attempt to eliminate ILA jobs.” The union has long opposed the introduction of automation, viewing it as a direct threat to its workforce.
“The ILA’s resolve remains strong not to surrender any ILA jobs,” the union stated. “Employers reaping billion-dollar profits are again exposing their goal of replacing ILA workers with robotic equipment. We will not stand for it.”
The union’s hardline stance on automation has been consistent, and this latest breakdown follows a three-day strike in October that shut down container handling at 36 port facilities, disrupting billions of dollars in trade. That strike was resolved with federal intervention, resulting in an extension of the current contract through January 15, 2024, to allow negotiations to continue.
USMX expressed disappointment over the stalled talks, emphasizing the importance of technology in improving safety, efficiency, and capacity at U.S. ports.
“We’re not seeking technology to eliminate jobs,” USMX said in a statement. “Modernization is essential to meet future supply chain demands while protecting and growing jobs. Restricting technology that has already existed in some ports for nearly two decades moves the industry backward.”
USMX added that while progress was made on several issues, the union’s insistence on barring automation made it impossible to reach a consensus on critical technology topics.
Before the talks broke down, both sides had agreed to a 62% pay increase over the life of the new contract. However, automation remains a key sticking point that neither side seems willing to compromise on.
USMX expressed hope that negotiations could resume, but with the current contract set to expire on January 15, the risk of further disruptions looms large.
The ILA’s resistance to automation reflects a broader tension in the logistics industry, where technological advancements are often seen as a double-edged sword—offering efficiency gains while threatening traditional labor roles. With the clock ticking, both sides must find common ground to avoid further strikes and keep supply chains flowing.
Source: www.freightwaves.com