A looming U.S. east coast port strike would have severe consequences for food and many other farm products shipped from American farm and ranch families to international buyers. This article outlines the far-reaching effects that might result if the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) cannot come to an agreement before their contract expires on Sept. 30.
The ILA is the largest union of maritime workers in North America, representing nearly 85,000 longshoremen across the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, Great Lakes, major U.S. rivers, Puerto Rico, Eastern Canada and the Bahamas. Their members load and unload cargo at ocean port terminals, particularly in container and roll-on/roll-off operations. On the employer side, USMX represents approximately 40 ocean carriers and terminal operators where ILA members work. The union is reportedly seeking wage increases exceeding the 32% won last year by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, which represents many West Coast port workers. Additional demands include a higher starting wage for new employees, enhanced health care benefits, increased employer contributions to retirement plans and keeping provisions that prohibit automation to prevent job losses.
Source: American Farm Bureau Federation… Read More
