“Collective bargaining is the best way for workers to get the pay and benefits they deserve. I have urged USMX, which represents a group of foreign-owned carriers, to come to the table and present a fair offer to the workers of the International Longshoremen’s Association that ensures they are paid appropriately in line with their invaluable contributions. Ocean carriers have made record profits since the pandemic and in some cases profits grew in excess of 800 percent compared to their profits prior to the pandemic. Executive compensation has grown in line with those profits and profits have been returned to shareholders at record rates. It’s only fair that workers, who put themselves at risk during the pandemic to keep ports open, see a meaningful increase in their wages as well.”
President Joe Biden | October 1, 2024 | Press Release
U.S. EAST COAST AND GULF COAST ILA DOCKWORKERS ON STRIKE
ILA STRIKE: SUPPY CHAIN IMPACT
“Our current offer of a nearly 50% wage increase exceeds every other recent union settlement, while addressing inflation, and recognizing the ILA’s hard work to keep the global economy running. We look forward to hearing from the Union about how we can return to the table and actually bargain, which is the only way to reach a resolution.”
United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) | October 1, 2024 | Press Release
UNITED STATES MARITIME ALLIANCE OFFERS INCREASED WAGES
“The ILA seeks more than a $5 yearly wage increase. Our members don’t work typical 9-to-5 jobs; they work extraordinary hours, sacrificing time with their families. Our position is firm: we believe in the value our incredible rank-and-file members bring to this industry and to our great nation. They deserve a contract that recognizes their contributions, secures their jobs, and reflects the profits generated by their labor.”
International Longshoremen’s Association | October 1, 2024 | Press Release
INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN’S ASSOCIATION REJECTS PROPOSED TERMS
- Approximately two-thirds of the ILA workforce remain on call without guaranteed employment when ships are not being serviced.
- Access to benefits is determined by the number of hours worked in the previous year, potentially leaving workers at risk during periods of reduced activity.
- The current advancement system does not provide opportunities for faster progression, as workers are required to wait six years to reach the top wage level, regardless of their performance or dedication.
“Our administration is calling on ocean carriers to withdraw their surcharges. No one should exploit a disruption for profit, especially at a time when whole regions of the country are recovering from Hurricane Helene. The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has stated that it will use the authority the President called for and signed into law to ensure any fees assessed are legitimate and lawful. President Biden has directed our administration to use every authority at the federal level and to support state and local officials as they use the authorities at their disposal. We are closely monitoring potential supply chain impacts and assessing ways to address potential impacts, if necessary.”
Pete Buttigieg | U.S. Transportation Secretary | October 1, 2024
Source: https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/transportation-secretary-pete-buttigieg-calls-ocean-carriers-withdraw-surcharges
ILA-USMX FEDERAL MEDIATION
The Biden Administration through public statements appears to support the ILA’s position. Therefore is seems unlikely to invoke the Taft-Hartley Act to end the strike. Last week, the USMX filed an Unfair Labor Practice Charge with the National Labor Relations Board asserting that the ILA would not participate in negotiations. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Butteige issued a call for carriers to withdraw surcharges during the ILA-USMX collective bargaining process.
Stay up-to-date on freight news with Green’s Weekly Freight Market Update by following us on LinkedIn. For continuous updates, make sure to check out our website at greenworldwide.com.
