U.S. Port Negotiations Stall Over Automation, Threatening Potential Strike in January

Negotiations between the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) have hit another roadblock, this time over the issue of automation, with just two months left before a potential strike could disrupt port operations from New England to Texas.

The talks, which resumed following a brief ILA strike in early October that temporarily shut down East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, have made little progress on the use of automated technology at ports, according to USMX. While some progress has been made on other issues, automation remains a key sticking point.

In a statement released Wednesday, USMX said that while there were positive developments in other areas of the negotiations, the discussions on technology issues, particularly automation, have stalled. The group accused the ILA of pushing for restrictions on automation that could hinder the industry’s ability to modernize and keep up with future supply chain demands.

“We made progress on a number of issues, but we could not resolve the technology concerns. The ILA is demanding an agreement that would roll back automation, which has been part of our industry for nearly two decades,” USMX said. “This will make it impossible to evolve to meet future supply chain needs.”

Since the temporary settlement on wage hikes in October, the ILA and USMX agreed to continue negotiations with a deadline of January 15. If no resolution is reached by that date, another ILA strike could occur, potentially halting port operations along the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts.

The primary point of contention is the use of semi-automated cranes, which utilize real-time data and positioning systems to prioritize and move containers. These cranes are operated remotely by union workers from indoor control stations, rather than by workers physically on the crane. Sources close to the negotiations say the ILA opposes the expanded use of such technology, fearing it could lead to job reductions over time.

ILA leadership has been outspoken about its stance on automation. ILA President Harold Daggett has consistently argued for tighter restrictions on automation, stating after the wage agreement in October that the union seeks "airtight language" to prevent further automation or semi-automation at ports. He has also described semi-automation as a “back-door” entry to full automation, which the union firmly opposes.

Dennis Daggett, ILA Executive Vice President and Harold’s son, referred to automation as a “cancer” in a September video message to union members, vowing to fight the trend "for the rest of our existence." He emphasized that, regardless of wage offers, the union will continue to resist automation if it threatens jobs.

In contrast, USMX insists that its push for automation is not about reducing jobs but about enhancing worker safety, increasing efficiency, and strengthening the U.S. supply chain. The group argues that modernization is crucial for maintaining competitive and efficient ports, which ultimately benefits American businesses and workers.

“We are not seeking to eliminate jobs,” the USMX statement read. “We need to continue modernizing our industry to improve worker safety, boost efficiency, and grow jobs—critical goals that will strengthen U.S. supply chains and support American workers.”

The ongoing impasse has drawn concern from outside groups, including the American Apparel and Footwear Association. CEO Stephen Lamar expressed disappointment that the ILA had walked away from negotiations, highlighting the disruption caused by the October strike. “We urge the ILA to return to the table immediately,” Lamar said, stressing the importance of resolving the issue to avoid further disruptions to global transportation networks.

Research on automation’s impact on union jobs has produced mixed findings. A study commissioned by the Pacific Maritime Association, which represents West Coast port owners, concluded that automation at semi-automated terminals in Long Beach and Los Angeles actually led to an increase in jobs for the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU). However, a separate study commissioned by the ILWU found that automation at other terminals led to reductions in job hours and wages.

With the January deadline fast approaching, the future of U.S. port operations hangs in the balance, and both sides are under pressure to reach a lasting agreement.