We wanted to bring you the latest on what we’re hearing concerning the ILA/USMX discussions.
As you already know, the ILA strike is underway at 36 ports on the US East and Gulf Coasts. A last-minute offer from USMX was rejected by ILA just before midnight, and Harold Daggett released a message this morning advising “We are prepared to fight as long as necessary, to stay out on strike for whatever period of time it takes, to get the wages and protections against automation our ILA members deserve.”
The ILA, which has not been on strike since 1977, is looking for wage increases of +70% over the next 6 years, plus assurances that automation at ports will not come at the cost of members’ jobs.
Some new information we’ve identified:
- CMA CGM has issued a force majeure over the strike and may charge additional shipping fees for delayed vessels
- Biden officials have repeatedly said they will not intervene and are urging both the ILA and USMX to come to an agreement
- More than 38 container vessels are waiting just outside of US ports this morning, compared with just 3 over the weekend
- An MSC vessel is the first to omit US east coast ports and instead go to Halifax, NS in the first of what could be a recurring action depending on how long the dispute lasts
We will continue to bring you updates as we get them. If you have questions on specific shipments, please contact your local Alba support team
