Talks to Prevent East and Gulf Coast Dockworker Strike Set to Resume Next Week

Negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and port employers represented by the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) are scheduled to resume on January 7, little more than a week before the current contract extension expires on January 15, FreightWaves reported, citing sources (1-1-25).

The decision to resume negotiations was unexpected and came together quickly, said one individual close to the negotiations, adding that the sides had been talking informally for some time. “They [the ILA and USMX] have been working informally, as you do in this situation,” said another source, who confirmed that negotiations would resume “within the next two weeks. They are coming up on a deadline.”

The resumption of bargaining comes just days after liner operators including Hapag-Lloyd announced container surcharges due to take effect in the event of a strike, and several weeks after President-elect Donald Trump backed the union following a meeting with ILA executives.

Absent an agreement on a new contract, it is also possible the sides could again extend the current contract.

This is a developing story. More details will be provided as they become available.