Two major shipping strikes in the US and Canada have ended – although disruption and uncertainty caused by the stoppages may continue for several months.
In the US, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) union suspended its strike action which began on October 2 at major ports on the country’s east and Gulf coast, including Baltimore, Boston, Charleston, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, and others. This was after the US Maritime Alliance, which represents employers, proposed a 62 per cent increase in wages over six years – higher than its initial offer, but lower than the union demands.
FIDI had issued an open letter advising its Affiliates and supply chain partners to keep clients updated about developments in the dispute, which threatened ‘additional costs and operational challenges’ to shipments, including household goods.
The 45,000 workers represented by the ILA returned to work from October 4. They will continue on their existing contract until January 15, 2025, when negotiations between the two parties have been scheduled to resume.
Meanwhile, a strike in Canada shut down two major terminals at the Port of Montreal (pictured) for three days last week, causing delays to household goods into the country, and increased port storages, detention and demurrage.
Christina McCarte, at Canadian Affiliate AMJ Campbell, told FIDI Focus that she expected ‘possibly weeks of recovery’ following the end of the strikes.
