A posting on Everything Jersey.com indicates that regional contract talks between the International Longshoreman’s Association (ILA) and the New York Shipping Association, representing the ports of New York and New Jersey, broke down yesterday over issues related to local work rules and staffing. These regional talks are a part of the master contract extension agreed to in late December that averted a possible labor stoppage among all U.S. east coast ports. That contract extension goes until February 6th.
The breakdown apparently involves local issues and statements quoted in the article indicate that union representatives initiated the current breakdown. Both sides are scheduled to meet again sometime next week. According to reports, it is unclear how these specific regional talks will impact either broader master agreement or any other east coast regional negotiations.
Supply chain logistics and transportation teams need to continue to keep abreast of these developments.
Bob Ferrari
