The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) has expressed growing concern about a potential strike at Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports, as the current contract expires on September 30, 2024. ILA President Harold J. Daggett, who also serves as the union’s Chief Negotiator, criticized the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) for delaying negotiations. The ILA had cancelled talks in June due to the use of an Auto Gate system by APM Terminals and Maersk Line, which processes trucks without ILA labour. The union is also waiting on an audit related to new technology jobs. Daggett stated that the ILA members are prepared to strike on October 1 if their demands are not met and emphasized the union’s refusal to discuss contract extensions or external mediation.
