National Retail Federation Vice President of Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold praised the announcement that a tentative new labor deal has been reached between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance.
The six-year contract expired on Sept. 30 last year and was extended until Jan. 15 following a three-day strike.
“We are pleased to see the ILA and USMX come to a final agreement on a new contract, as U.S. ports on the East and Gulf Coasts play a critical role in the retail supply chain,” Gold said in a news release. “Providing certainty with a new contract and avoiding further disruptions is paramount to ensure retail goods arrive in a timely manner for consumers. The agreement will also pave the way for much-needed modernization efforts, which are essential for future growth at these ports and the overall resiliency of our nation’s supply chain.”
In December, NRF said it sent a letter signed by more than 260 groups to the parties urging them to return to the negotiation table.
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