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ILA, USMX hold early talks before labour contracts expire

THE International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have held informal contract discussions prior to the expiration of the current contract on September 30 2018. They described the talks as being "productive and fruitful."

"Both sides had an opportunity to share, in preliminary talks, issues that are important to both the ILA and employers as we collectively move from these talks to official Wage Scale Negotiations," they were cited as saying in a joint statement in an American Shipper report. USMX represents employers in contract negotiations.

Prior to meeting with employers, the ILA said it conducted a two-day workshop "where leaders from ILA locals at Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports examined important issues relating to both the Master Contract and also their respective local bargaining agreements."

The ILA and USMX added in their joint statement that holding these informal discussions demonstrates the commitment each side has to maintaining stability and growth at all ports covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement.