Timeline of ILA-USMX Negotiations

March 6, 2012

As negotiations near, ILA President Harold Daggett warns attendees of JOC's TPM Conference that a strike is possible.

March 28-30, 2012

The ILA and USMX open negotiations with three days of meetings followed by statements of optimism about an early agreement.

May 2012

The ILA and USMX exchange testy public letters, with each side suggesting the other is not bargaining in good faith.

July 27-29, 2012

The ILA and USMX resume negotiations and announce agreements on automation and protection of ILA jurisdiction over chassis maintenance and repair.

August 22, 2012

A three-day negotiating session is canceled after the ILA rejects a USMX request to discuss changes in work rules and pay practices.

August and September 2012

Shipper organizations urge the sides to resume negotiations and commit to avoiding a work stoppage.

September 19-20, 2012

The ILA and USMX resume talks under supervision of a federal mediator. The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service announces a 90-day contract extension to Dec. 29.

Dec. 10, 2012

The ILA's 200-member wage scale committee votes to authorize a strike if a contract is not reached by midnight on Dec. 29.

Dec. 28, 2012

The federal mediator announces a second contract extension, through Feb. 6, 2013, after an agreement in principle on container royalties.

Feb. 1, 2013The federal mediator announces that the ILA and USMX have reached agreement on a coastwide master contract, averting the threat of a strike.

March 7, 2013

The ILA and employers agree on a supplemental contract covering local issues at the Port of New York and New Jersey.

March 13, 2013

The ILA and USMX agree on the final version of the contract. ILA delegates recommend ratification in April 9 referendum.

What's Next?

The ILA has scheduled an April 9 ratification vote on the coastwide master contract that ILA and United States Maritime Alliance officials have agreed upon.

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