Looming Strike at East Coast Ports Could Affect Trade Shows

With a labor contract covering 14,500 waterfront workers due to expire Sept. 30, ports on the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico are bracing for a potential strike, lockout or work stoppage that could affect shipments headed for trade shows, exhibits and events. Negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance resumed today, but up until now, little progress has been made toward resolving issues of job security, overtime rules and bonus payments based on container weight. Without a settlement, the first strike in 35 years could begin Oct. 1 at 14 ports between Maine and Texas, including The Port of New York and New Jersey. baltimoresun.com