The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) are set to resume talks on January 7 for a new master contract, sources revealed on Tuesday. This marks a crucial step ahead of the current contract extension’s expiration date on January 15, which could lead to a possible second strike by the ILA affecting ports along the US East and Gulf coasts.
The negotiations primarily focus on wages, with the ILA and USMX having reached an agreement on this aspect. However, formal talks have been stalled since mid-November, leaving little room for further discussion before the strike deadline is reached. The union represents approximately 45,000 dockworkers whose jobs are at stake in these negotiations.
Source: https://www.joc.com/article/ila-usmx-contract-talks-set-for-jan-7-restart-ahead-of-strike-deadline-sources-5913854