July ’24 at-a-glance … supply chain

Contract negotiations stalled at East and Gulf Coast ports 

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) halted master contract negotiations with the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) over the issue of an autogate system that autonomously processes trucks without ILA labor. According to ILA, the system violates the current contract and is in use in Mobile, Alabama, and other ports. The unions will not meet with USMX until the local issue is resolved. The master contract, set to expire Sept. 30, impacts all ports on the U.S. East and Gulf coasts. NAFEM and nearly 200 other organizations urged President Biden and numerous cabinet members to intervene in the stalled negotiations (see Amplifying Member’s Voices).  

Canadian rail workers vote to walkout 

More than 10,000 rail workers affiliated with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference have voted to strike if a new contract cannot be reached with the country’s two largest railroads – Canadian National Railway Company and Canadian Pacific Kansas City. By Aug. 9, the Canada Industrial Relations Board expects to determine which services are essential and must continue is a strike occurs. In the meantime, contract talks continue.