Day 1 of ILA Strike: US Ports from Texas to Maine Affected, Prime Freight Developing Contingency Plan

01 Oct Day 1 of ILA Strike: US Ports from Texas to Maine Affected, Prime Freight Developing Contingency Plan

Members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) have officially gone on strike, gathering outside ports from Texas to Maine after the expiration of their contract at midnight. The strike, which affects around 45,000 workers across 36 ports on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, was confirmed today by ILA International Vice President Bernie O’Donnell, who stated, “We are officially out on strike. Our contract ended at midnight, and we plan on being here 24/7 until we get a fair contract. We are fighting for a fair contract and against automation.”

Despite a last-minute attempt by port employers, represented by the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), to avert the strike, the ILA has already rejected the most recent wage-related offer. The USMX announced that both sides had exchanged offers and requested an extension of the current contract to continue negotiations. However, no agreement was reached, and the strike began as planned.

“We are hopeful that this extension request could allow us to fully resume collective bargaining around the remaining issues to reach a final agreement,” USMX said in a statement issued late Monday afternoon.

In response to the strike, Prime Freight is actively working on a contingency plan to mitigate the potential impacts. A meeting is scheduled with our carriers at 4:30 p.m. today to discuss possible actions depending on the duration of the strike.

More updates will follow as negotiations continue.