INAUGURAL UYGHUR FORCED LABOR PREVENTION ACT STRATEGY REPORT The Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force (FLETF) issued its initial update on the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) strategy, emphasizing the need for increased funding and resources for effective enforcement. The update, released on August 1 and mandated annually, highlights [...]
EUROPEAN UNION: SHIPPING INDUSTRY The shipping industry is crucial for the EU economy due to its energy efficiency, but it's also a major and increasing source of greenhouse gas emissions. In 2018, global maritime shipping emitted 1,076 million tonnes of CO2, accounting for about 2.9% of emissions. Projections suggest [...]
ILWU CANADA, BCMEA REACH ACCORD In a joint statement released on Sunday, July 30, 2023, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada (ILWU) and the British Columbia Maritime Employer's Association (BCMEA) announced that a tentative contract agreement was reached between both parties. Leadership of both organizations are recommending their members [...]
UPS AND TEAMSTERS REACH AGREEMENT UPS and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (Teamsters) reached a tentative agreement for a five-year contract on Tuesday averting a strike. Endorsed by the UPS Teamsters National Negotiating Committee, the tentative agreement adds new full-time jobs, increases hourly pay rates for both full and part-time [...]
FOSTERING TRANSPARENCY & GROWTH The United States-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade First Agreement Implementation Act (H.R. 4004) is a bipartisan bill that formally validates Congressional endorsement of the trade agreement negotiated between the Biden Administration and Taiwan. Making its way to President Biden for approval, this legislation outlines stipulations for [...]
JULY 21, 2023 UPDATE:Â The ILWU strike notice has been retracted and labor operations at the Ports of Prince Rupert and Vancouver have returned to normal. The full schedule can be found on the Maersk website. ILWU CANADA MEMBERS REJECT CONTRACT The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada (ILWU) members [...]
COMPREHENSIVE COMPLIANCE DISLOSURES The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is urging China-based companies to provide more comprehensive disclosures regarding their compliance with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and reporting on the Chinese government’s involvement in their operations. Recently, a sample letter was shared on the SEC's official website, [...]
POTENTIAL UPS STRIKE The pending strike by United Parcel Service (UPS) Teamsters is causing widespread concern throughout global supply chains. As negotiations between UPS and the Teamsters stagnate, businesses worldwide are preparing for potential disruptions to shipping and logistics services.  The potential August 1, 2023, strike may create bottlenecks and [...]
ILWU CANADA AND BCMEA REACH TENTATIVE AGREEMENT The 13-day labor strike between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada (ILWU) and the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) came to an end during late night negotiations on July 13. Federal mediators assisted both parties in reaching the tentative 4-year agreement [...]
The ongoing strike by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Canada, which has entered its second week, is causing changes in port calls. Some vessels are now being redirected from Vancouver to Seattle-Tacoma. There are concerns about potential cargo backlogs near the ports of Vancouver and Seattle-Tacoma. The Vancouver [...]
