Port Uncertainty?

The U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) labor contract is set to expire next Monday, September 30th. Negotiations have stalled over issues related to wages and port automation, with the ILA threatening to initiate a strike beginning Tuesday, October 1st.  A strike could potentially shut down operations at all ports from Maine to Houston, with ripple effects likely to cause significant backlogs at West Coast ports. This could have a severe impact on construction materials with approximately 40 percent of U.S. containerized exports move through East and Gulf Coast ports.

ASA, along with many construction trade associations, has been urging the Administration to intervene and bring the parties together to mediate a negotiation and be prepared to take action in the event of a strike or lockout.