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NRF urges quick resolution to avoid potential US port strike

05 Sep '24
2 min read
NRF urges quick resolution to avoid potential US port strike
Pic: Adobe Stock

Insights

  • NRF is urging negotiations between ILA and USMX to prevent a potential labour strike at US ports.
  • With the contract deadline of September 30 approaching, NRF President Matthew Shay highlighted the economic risks of a strike during the peak shipping season.
  • NRF had also appealed to President Biden and the negotiating parties to avert supply chain disruptions.
The National Retail Federation (NRF) has expressed serious concerns over the possibility of a labour strike at US ports along the East and Gulf Coasts, as the deadline for a new contract between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) looms. The two parties have until September 30 to negotiate and finalise an agreement.

In a statement issued yesterday, NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay called for immediate action, urging both the ILA and USMX to return to the negotiating table. "NRF continues to call upon the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance to resume negotiations in order to reach a new deal before the contract expires on 30th September," Shay said in a press release. "The threat of a strike during the peak shipping season has many retailers already implementing costly mitigation strategies."

Shay emphasised the potential economic consequences of a strike or disruption, particularly as inflation shows signs of declining. "At a time when inflation is on the downward trend, a strike or other disruption would significantly impact retailers, consumers, and the economy," he noted. He also called on the Biden administration to offer full support to ensure that the negotiating parties come to an agreement.

In June, the NRF led a coalition of 158 state and federal trade associations in sending a letter to President Biden, urging the administration to actively work with the ILA and USMX to avoid any disruption to the nation’s supply chain. Earlier this year, the NRF also sent a letter directly to the ILA and USMX, advocating for the resumption of port labour negotiations.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)

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