ILA sees 'substantial progress' in labour talks with waterfront employers

THE International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) has declared that two days' of contract talks with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) employers' group have made "substantial progress" and thus, the dockers' union expects to reach an agreement on the July 18.

ILA president Harold Daggett told union delegates that the talks had narrowed divergence on both sides. The delegates represent dockside labour in seaports along the US east and Gulf coasts.

Said ILA spokesman Jim McNamara: "We will be successful in coming up with a tentative contract agreement at the next go-around of negotiations that we can send out to the membership for ratification."

The impact of automation and the work done on container chassis were also two key issues, reported American Shipper. Mr McNamara said both sides have created a subcommittee of about 50 to facilitate the negotiations. The union put forward its demands from wages to union jurisdiction, and reported that the USMX's response was constructive.

The current contract expires September 30. Many shippers, including large retailers, have urged the union and management to resolve the dispute; otherwise, they will be forced to shift some of their peak season cargo to the US west coast ports.