With roughly two months before union workers at East and Gulf Coast ports may begin a new strike, a fight over automated technology is slowing negotiations.

KEY POINTS

  • The United States Maritime Alliance, which represents the owners of East and Gulf Coast ports, said in a statement on Wednesday that the union position on automation is currently making a new labor deal difficult to reach, with a January 15 deadline to either reach an agreement or face another strike.
  • USMX says the use of semi-automated cranes, already at many ports, is critical to future supply chain demands.
  • The International Longshoremen’s Association, which is not publicly commenting, has said in the recent past that the union wants new contract language to clearly state that “no automation means no automation.”