A group of 177 trade associations has called on US President Joe Biden to step in to prevent a strike across container and vehicle ports from Maine to Texas.
It was the second letter to the president by the coalition led by the National Retail Federation, and it came less than two weeks before the contract between the International Longshoremen’s Association and an employer’s group is set to expire.
The ILA and the US Maritime Alliance, an employers’ group also known as USMX, have until 30 September to sign a new master contract covering dockworkers across the Atlantic Seaboard and Gulf Coast before it expires.
The ILA has threatened to strike on 1 October.
The trade groups said a strike would have a “devastating impact” at a time when inflation is easing.
“At this critical juncture, it is imperative that the parties return to the table without engaging in disruptive activities that could harm the economy and the millions of businesses, workers and consumers who rely on the seamless flow of goods, both imports and exports, through our East Coast and Gulf Coast ports,” the coalition wrote.
A coalition of 158 trade groups made a similar call in June, to no avail.
The missive came on the same day that the ILA, which is led by president Harold Daggett, said its rank-and-file members are ready to strike.
“A sleeping giant is ready to roar on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, if a new Master Contract Agreement is not in place,” he said in an ILA statement. “My members have been preparing for over a year for that possibility of a strike.”
The union accused USMX of waging an “ugly propaganda campaign” that involved leaking details of contract talks.
The ILA is seeking higher wages and protecting against automation.
“USMX claims to offer industry-leading wages,” the ILA said in a letter to members.
“However, their interpretation of ‘leading wages’ is polar opposite to ours.”
For its part, USMX said it is in “strong agreement” with the trade associations.
“We have tremendous respect for the ILA and its members, but it is disappointing that we have reached this point where the ILA is unwilling to reopen dialogue unless all of its demands are met,” the employers’ group said.
“The only way to resolve this impasse is to resume negotiations, which we are willing to do at any time.”
