[Labor] ILA-USMX Talks:

In a December 2nd statement, ILA Executive Vice President Dennis Daggett described the union as being at a “crossroads” in its Master Contract negotiations with ocean carriers and their employers. He highlighted that the primary point of contention is the employers’ push to introduce more semi-automated rail-mounted gantry cranes (RMGs). Daggett argued that the union cannot support technology that threatens jobs, compromises national security, and jeopardizes the future of the workforce.

ILA and USMX have agreed to extend negotiations until January 15, though it remains uncertain what actions will be taken if no agreement is reached by that deadline. The new contract would impact over 40,000 dockworkers at U.S. East and Gulf coast ports.