Top Biden administration officials are meeting with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) to urge good faith negotiations in the ongoing labor dispute with the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA).
The meeting includes:
• Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg
• Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su
• White House senior economic advisor Lael Brainard
The officials are conveying directly to USMX “that they need to be at the table and negotiating in good faith fairly and quickly.” This message was previously delivered to the ILA earlier in the week.
A potential strike looms at East Coast and Gulf of Mexico ports starting Oct. 1 if no deal is reached. The ILA represents 45,000 dockworkers at 36 ports along the U.S. East Coast and Gulf of Mexico. Negotiations have stalled over wage issues and concerns about automation. The current contract expires on September 30.
The White House is pressing both sides to engage in sincere negotiations promptly.
A strike could significantly disrupt shipping, potentially leading to shortages and increased prices for consumers. By meeting with both parties, the administration is attempting to facilitate a resolution before the deadline to avoid a potentially damaging work stoppage at major U.S. ports.