East and Gulf Coast port operators and union dockworkers are up against another deadline. Will they come to an agreement by Jan. 15, or will distributors be facing another port disruption?

On Oct. 3, 2024, the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), which represents port operators, and the International Longshoremen’s Association ended a short-lived work stoppage when it reached a tentative agreement on wages and extended their master contract until Jan. 15, 2025. Now, the parties are reportedly set to return to the bargaining table Jan. 7, leaving just eight days to negotiate the sticking points.

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As of Dec. 20, USMX tentatively agreed to a 62% wage increase for ILA members over the next six years, “contingent upon finalizing all outstanding issues,” alluding to the fact that both parties are still at odds in regards to port automation.

ILA has been in adamant opposition to automation and semi-automation at ports, while port operators believe they should maintain the right to make “critical investments in technology and infrastructure to densify and improve the safety, productivity and efficiency of … ports.”

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“We have been clear that this can, and will, be done in a way that not only protects jobs, but adds new jobs as our operations expand,” USMX officials said in the Dec. 20 statement.

Earlier in the month, Donald Trump expressed support of the dockworker’s stance after he met with ILA President Harold Daggett, signifying the union is not faltering on its requirement for “airtight language” that there will be no automation at the ports. 

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In a Christmas message to its members, Daggett said he hopes the employers represented by USMX will respect its contract demands to avoid a strike.

“Our resolve may be tested again in mid-January as we face another deadline,” he said.

Lead Image: North Carolina Ports