CyberGuy's Kurt Knutsson discusses the longshoremen's strike for demands on The Bottom Line.
of Labor union representing dock workers Port employers at Eastern and Gulf Coast ports walked away from negotiations with port employers this week, citing concerns about automation. The two countries have a mid-January deadline to reach a deal and prevent a resumption of strikes, FOX Business has learned.
International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Union (USMX). port employerThe ILA union withdrew from negotiations on the second day of negotiations this week, sources told FOX Business.
The official said the ILA union is not in agreement with the introduction of new technology at Eastport and Mexico's Gulf Coast ports, even though USMX has said there will be no job losses due to automation. . Port employers do not expect the union to return to the bargaining table.
In a statement, ILA acknowledged that it had terminated negotiations with USMX and placed the blame on port employers who had “imposed automation and semi-automation language in the proposed master contract that eliminated ILA's work.” He added: “We remain hopeful that USMX will change its no-win strategy and resume negotiations as soon as possible.”
Longshoremen union demands to limit automation at U.S. ports could hurt competitiveness
The ILA union could resume its strike on January 15 unless it reaches an agreement with port employers. (Mark Felix/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)
“The ILA's determination not to abandon any of its positions remains strong,” the union said. “We are disappointed that the USMX is willing to ignore the ILA’s well-known position against automation and semi-automation of workforce reductions. We have once again exposed the ultimate goal of wanting to reduce automation and semi-automation. Increase as many ILA jobs as possible and replace ILA longshore workers with robotic equipment.”
USMX countered that, “While there has been positive progress on many issues, we have not been able to achieve significant progress in discussions focused on various technical issues.” A group representing port employers said the ILA was “advocating for an agreement that would set our industry back by restricting the future use of technology that has existed in some ports for nearly 20 years, and threaten our country's future.” “It makes it impossible for us to evolve with the world.” Supply chain demand. ”
“USMX has made it clear that we are not looking for technology that eliminates jobs. We need technology that improves worker safety, protects and grows jobs, and strengthens supply chains. “Continued modernization is essential to improve efficiency in ways that increase productivity and increase production capacity,'' USMX added.
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ILA longshoremen went on strike on October 1 after negotiations between the two sides in September failed to reach an agreement following the expiration of the union's six-year contract. After a three-day strike, the union and USMX reached a tentative agreement on wages, and the ILA agreed to suspend the strike until January 15 while it negotiates other outstanding issues, such as automation.
Under the tentative agreement, ILA's 45,000 longshoremen will receive a 62% pay increase over the next six years of their contract. Trade unions and port employers will need to reach an agreement on: Port automation and other outstanding issues, and ratify the interim agreement to enter into force by January 15.
The ILA union has opposed new technology at ports over concerns that automation could lead to job losses. (Photo credit: GIORGIO VIERA/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)
Based on the previous contract, Starting salary for ILA dock workers Wages ranged from $20 per hour to up to $39 per hour (or more than $81,000 per year) for employees with six or more years of service. However, the overtime and royalty pay that workers receive far exceeds their regular take-home pay.
According to internal USMX documents viewed by FOX Business, the average full-time ILA longshoreman: new york/new jersey In his previous contract, he was making $350,000 a year, but in Norfolk, Virginia, he was making an average of $200,000. ILA members in Savannah, Georgia, earned an average of $180,000, while members in Houston, Texas, and Charleston, South Carolina earned an average of $170,000.
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ILA President Harold Daggett suggested in a September interview that the union was prepared to continue striking to pursue its demands, even if it meant widespread damage to the U.S. economy.
“It's going to cripple you,” Daggett said in an interview about the impact of the strike. “I'm going to cripple you, but you don't know what that means. Nobody knows.”
This is a developing story. Please check back for the latest information.
