The largest union of maritime workers in North America, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), is telling its 85,000 members to get ready to strike on Oct. 1 if the union is unable to reach a deal with the shipping industry for a new contract.
Harold J. Daggett, International President of the 85,000-member International Longshoremen’s Association, continues to work round the clock, eager to engage in serious negotiations with United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), while also preparing his membership for a possible strike on October 1, 2024, if USMX fails to reach an agreement with the ILA.
“The clock is ticking, and we are getting closer and closer to October 1st,” warned ILA President Daggett. “There will be no extensions offered to USMX so their time is running out.”
The ILA has called for wage scale meetings September 4 and 5, 2024, in New Jersey where the union’s wage scale delegates will review its master contract demands.
They will also use those meetings to establish strike committees from Maine to Texas to be ready for October 1, 2024.
“We are preparing our ILA membership for both possibilities,” said the ILA leader. “We will stand strong to win a new contract that adequately compensates our hard-working and dedicated ILA longshore workforce, and simultaneously are preparing to strike at all ports from Maine to Texas come October 1st, 2024, if a new agreement is not reached.”
ILA President Harold Daggett has said the union will “hit the streets” if it cannot reach a new agreement with the United States Maritime Alliance, which represents the shipping industry and terminal operators.
“Our employers know in their hearts that the ILA longshore workers deserve a great contract,” said President Daggett. “They cannot nickel and dime us, while posting billion-dollar profits. That’s just not fair and we are ready to fight for a great contract.”
“The International Dockworkers Council (IDC) are leading the way, among international labor organizations, in backing up their sisters and brothers of the ILA. Our world-wide army is strong and ready to engage,” he added.
