Carrier said proactive measure will help mitigate any potential disruptions at the terminals
Maersk has asked its customers to pick up their loaded containers and return the empty ones to US East and Gulf Coast ports before 15 January ahead of a potential strike by longshoremen.
The update posted on the Danish shipping giant’s website this week comes amid dimming hopes of resolution in the dispute between the unions and port operators over automation.
According to a news report, discussions over the issue of automation do not appear to be advancing, and neither the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) or the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), a union with over 45,000 members, have indicated plans to return to the negotiating table before mid-January.
However, FreightWaves reported on Wednesday that the USMX and ILA were preparing to resume negotiations on a new six-year deal.
“Considering the status, we strongly encourage our customers to pick up their laden containers and return empty containers at US East and Gulf Coast ports before January 15,” Maersk said. “This proactive measure will help mitigate any potential disruptions at the terminals.”
A work stoppage like the one by 45,000 ILA members in October would shut down container handling at dozens of ports along the US East Coast. Any containers left at ports would likely remain there for the duration of the strike.
Both sides agreed to a 62 per cent pay raise following a three-day strike last October, but the deal is conditional on successful negotiations on other issues including benefits, container royalties and, most publicly, automation.
Neither the ILA nor the USMX have confirmed the resumption of bargaining.
