AP Moller-Maersk has issued a notice to its clientele regarding the collection of laden containers and the return of empty ones at the U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports prior to January 15. This action is in response to the looming threat of operational disruptions stemming from a possible strike. The company highlighted that the existing conditional wage agreement is due to expire on January 15, with a coast-wide strike potentially commencing on January 16 if no new agreement is reached.
Maersk's advisory mentions, "The negotiations have had no new developments since our last communication." The potential strike poses risks of halting trade worth billions and escalating inflationary pressures, thereby jeopardizing current supply chains. In October, the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) concluded a wage negotiation, agreeing to a 62% increase over six years, which temporarily ended a three-day strike. However, unresolved issues concerning automation and its role in future operations at U.S. ports continue to threaten another strike. Reports from Bloomberg News indicate that discussions on automation have stalled, with no signs from either ILA or USMX of resuming negotiations before mid-January.
Source: Reuters