USA East Coast – Possible Wharf Strikes

We are beginning to see notifications advising of the possibility of complete work stoppages in the next couple of weeks by the International Longshoremen’s Association, the largest North American union for maritime workers.

It is our understanding that their current contract ends on October 1st.  In a similar situation to DP World’s protracted union negotiations earlier this year, discussions have been ongoing throughout the northern summer, with no resolution.

Should strike action go ahead, it is expected to shut down 5 of the 10 busiest ports in the US, and a total of 36 ports along the East and Gulf Coasts.

The larger ports are implementing strike contingency plans, but it is likely that carriers will place embargoes on bookings into, or out of, the East and Gulf Coast ports in order to avoid a huge backlog of containers sitting at the terminals.

Please find a link to a recent CNBC news article below.

Largest port on East Coast begins preparations for a strike (cnbc.com)

We will continue to monitor the situation and will advise any customers likely to be directly affected.

Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.