Port strike fears grow as USMX and ILA fail to hammer out automation issues
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Not all is going smoothly in the negotiations between U.S. East and Gulf Coast port employers<\/a>, represented by USMX, and the ILA union. Both sides are bargaining as ILA members work under a temporary extension of their current master contract until Jan. 16, 2025.<\/a> As widely feared those discussions have reached a sticking point on automation, which USMX prefers to refer to a \u201ctechnology.\u201d<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what USMX said in a statement released yesterday:<\/p>\n \u201cOver the last two days, USMX met with the ILA to bargain and resolve all remaining outstanding issues needed to reach agreement on a new master contract.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile we had positive progress on a number of issues, we were unable to make significant progress on our discussions that focused on a range of technology issues. Unfortunately, the ILA is insisting on an agreement that would move our industry backward by restricting future use of technology that has existed in some of our ports for nearly two decades \u2013 making it impossible to evolve to meet the nation\u2019s future supply chain demands.<\/p>\n \u201cThe USMX has been clear that we are not seeking technology that would eliminate jobs. What we need is continued modernization that is essential to improve worker safety, increase efficiency in a way that protects and grows jobs, keeps supply chains strong, and increases capacity that will financially benefit American businesses and workers alike.<\/p>\n \u201cWe look forward to resuming negotiations with the ILA.\u201d\u2019<\/p>\n In a message to its members on what it termed a breakdown of negotiations with USMX, the ILA said:<\/p>\n \u201cThe ILA and USMX came to the table this week, prepared for four days of intensive bargaining to bring us closer to securing a fair contract. For the first day and a half, discussions were productive, and both sides engaged in addressing serious issues. However, late yesterday, talks broke down when management introduced their intent to implement semi-automation\u2014a direct contradiction to their opening statement where they assured us that neither full nor semi-automation would be on the table. They claimed their focus was on modernization, not automation.<\/p>\n \u201cThe ILA has always supported modernization when it leads to increased volumes and efficiency. For over 13 years, our position has been clear: we embrace technologies that improve safety and efficiency, but only when a human being remains at the helm. Automation, whether full or semi, replaces jobs and erodes the historical work functions we\u2019ve fought hard to protect.<\/p>\n \u201cStudies within our industry confirm what we\u2019ve long known\u2014no machine or algorithm can outperform the productivity of a skilled human workforce. Despite this, employers and certain media outlets perpetuate the false narrative that the ILA is stonewalling technological progress. This couldn\u2019t be further from the truth.<\/p>\n \u201cLook at our achievements: in one of the major terminals in the Port of New Jersey, we\u2019ve increased daily gate moves to nearly 10,000\u2014a dramatic improvement from the 1,500 moves that once marked a busy day. What\u2019s more, the ILA is processing these 10,000 moves in approximately the same amount of time it used to take for 1,500. This leap in productivity is not just limited to the gates. Our advanced ship-to-shore cranes enable our crane operators to handle containers far more efficiently than they could a decade ago. Additionally, terminal yard container-handling equipment has seen significant advancements, allowing us to maintain some of the most state-of-the-art and efficient terminals in the world. Contrast this with automated terminals worldwide, which consistently lag behind in productivity. Automation is not the panacea it\u2019s often portrayed to be.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s disheartening that after making strides in our talks, management resorted to tactics designed to mislead and divide. They\u2019ll likely claim they\u2019re offering to meet our manning proposals as a compromise, but we see through this ploy. Their endgame is clear: establish semi-automation now and pave the way for full automation later. We\u2019ve seen this bait-and-switch strategy in other parts of the world and in other industries, and we will not let it happen on the East and Gulf Coasts.<\/p>\n \u201cNow more than ever, solidarity and unity are crucial. Some may question our decision to halt the strike after securing a 62% wage increase over six years. Let\u2019s be clear: strikes are a tool of last resort. They are a hardship for our members and their families, but when backed into a corner, we will not hesitate to wield that weapon. This strike demonstrated our resolve, and while wages were a major hurdle, we believed\u2014and still believe\u2014that further progress could be made at the bargaining table while our members continue their hard work.<\/p>\n \u201cWe remain committed to securing a fair, equitable contract that ensures long-term stability for our ports and our nation\u2019s economy. Our employers must understand that we are united, shoulder to shoulder, in this fight for the betterment of our hardworking members and their families.<\/p>\n \u201cWe live in an era where every word and agreement must be meticulously crafted. Trust was a theme management introduced at the outset, promising partnership and collaboration. Yet, once again, their actions speak louder than their hollow words. Automation by any other name is still automation, and the ILA will not be fooled.<\/p>\n \u201cStay strong, united, and resolute. Together, we will show the world that the ILA stands as one, ready to fight for a better way of life for every member and every family who depends on this great union.\u201d<\/p>\n The post Port strike fears grow as USMX and ILA fail to hammer out automation issues<\/a> appeared first on Marine Log<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nBREAKDOWN OF NEGOTIATIONS<\/h4>\n