Just as negotiations picked back up this week between the two sides of the recent port impasse, hurdles to reaching a new agreement have already emerged.

As NJBIZ reported, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), which represents the dockworkers, and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), which represents the ports, reached an agreement in October to suspend a three-day strike at ports from the East Coast to Gulf of Mexico.

That accord called for a 90-day extension of the previous Master Contract, until Jan. 15, 2025. It also includes a 62% raise for longshoremen members. The two sides pledged to return to the negotiating table to hammer out the remaining items – with automation at the center – in an effort to avoid further work stoppages. On Oct. 25, the two sides affirmed those further talks would take place in November.

And this week, the ILA and USMX did indeed return to the bargaining table. However, the unresolved issues appear to remain that way, as of now, with the two sides reverting back to their postures leading up to and during the strike.

Each side released an update Nov. 13.

Modernization v. automation

“Over the last two days, USMX met with the ILA to bargain and resolve all remaining outstanding issues needed to reach agreement on a new Master Contract,” the USMX said in a statement. “While we had positive progress on a number of issues, we were unable to make significant progress on our discussions that focused on a range of technology issues.

“Unfortunately, the ILA is insisting on an agreement that would move our industry backward by restricting future use of technology that has existed in some of our ports for nearly two decades – making it impossible to evolve to meet the nation’s future supply chain demands,” USMX continued.

In an update to members that same day, ILA leadership confirmed a return to the table this week. The union also said it was prepared for four days of intensive bargaining to reach to an agreement.

“For the first day and a half, discussions were productive, and both sides engaged in addressing serious issues. However, late yesterday, talks broke down when management introduced their intent to implement semi-automation – a direct contradiction to their opening statement where they assured us that neither full nor semi-automation would be on the table,” the ILA stated. “They claimed their focus was on modernization – not automation.”

The dockworkers union stressed it has always supported modernization when it leads to increased volumes and efficiency.

‘Bait-and-switch strategy’

“For over 13 years, our position has been clear: we embrace technologies that improve safety and efficiency, but only when a human being remains at the helm,” the ILA statement continued. “Automation, whether full or semi, replaces jobs and erodes the historical work functions we’ve fought hard to protect. Studies within our industry confirm what we’ve long known – no machine or algorithm can outperform the productivity of a skilled human workforce. Despite this, employers and certain media outlets perpetuate the false narrative that the ILA is stonewalling technological progress.

“This couldn’t be further from the truth,” the statement continued.

The ILA noted its productivity and efficiency, which it says allows workers to maintain some of the most state-of-the-art terminals in the world.

“Contrast this with automated terminals worldwide, which consistently lag behind in productivity,” the ILA continued. “Automation is not the panacea it’s often portrayed to be.”

The union also accused the USMX of resorting to tactics designed to mislead and divide – describing it as “disheartening.”

“They’ll likely claim they’re offering to meet our manning proposals as a compromise, but we see through this ploy,” the union said. “Their endgame is clear: establish semi-automation now and pave the way for full automation later. We’ve seen this bait-and-switch strategy in other parts of the world and in other industries – and we will not let it happen on the East and Gulf Coasts.”

Actions over words

The USMX denied that charge.

“The USMX has been clear that we are not seeking technology that would eliminate jobs,” the statement continued. “What we need is continued modernization that is essential to improve worker safety, increase efficiency in a way that protects and grows jobs, keeps supply chains strong, and increases capacity that will financially benefit American businesses and workers alike.”

The ILA said that more than ever, now, solidarity and unity are crucial.

“Some may question our decision to halt the strike after securing a 62% wage increase over six years. Let’s be clear: strikes are a tool of last resort,” the ILA said. “They are a hardship for our members and their families, but when backed into a corner, we will not hesitate to wield that weapon. This strike demonstrated our resolve, and while wages were a major hurdle, we believed – and still believe – that further progress could be made at the bargaining table while our members continue their hard work.

“We remain committed to securing a fair, equitable contract that ensures long-term stability for our ports and our nation’s economy. Our employers must understand that we are united, shoulder to shoulder, in this fight for the betterment of our hardworking members and their families.”

The ILA said that every word and agreement must be meticulously crafted. The union noted its counterparts introduced trust as a theme at the outset of this round of talks, promising partnership and collaboration.

“Yet, once again, their actions speak louder than their hollow words,” the ILA argued. “Automation by any other name is still automation – and the ILA will not be fooled.”

“We look forward to resuming negotiations with the ILA,” the USMX closed its statement.