The first national strike of maritime workers in nearly 50 years could be on the way, and it could bear consequences for Democratic nominee in the run-up to the November presidential election. A six-year master contract between the country's largest union of maritime workers, the International Longshoreman's Association (ILA), and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) will come to an end on September 30. If no deal is reached by then, —little over a month before Americans head to the polls to elect the next president.
The dispute between the union and USMX has arisen against automation in the industry. The ILA has accused USMX of an "ugly propaganda campaign" and said it had failed to prepare for negotiations that began two years ago. "A sleeping giant is ready to roar on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, if a new Master Contract Agreement is not in place," warned ILA President Harold J.
Daggett in a statement on September 17. "My members have been preparing for over a year for that possibility of a strike." The ILA represents approximately 45,000 port workers at 36 locations across the East and Gulf coasts.
USMX said in a statement on September 23: "Despite additional attempts by USMX to engage with the ILA and resume bargaining, we have been unable to schedule a meeting to continue negotiations on a new master contract. We remain prepared to bargain at any time, but both sides must come to the table if we are going to reach a deal, and there is no indication that the ILA is .