October 1 st 2024 Port strike across the US east coast including the Gulf from October 1 st At midnight (local time), approximately 45,000 dockworkers went on strike at ports along the U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast, from Maine to Texas*. The strike is due to a lack og agreement between employers (USMX**) and the union (ILA***) on a new collective agreement after the previous one expired on September 30 th . ILA demands over 70% salary increase over the next 6 years and that ports should not automate terminals and operations as it threatens jobs for port workers according to them. USMX has offered around a 50% salary increase over the next 6 years and discussed the automation issue, the parties are far apart in the negotiation. The ports on the US East Coast including the Gulf handle around 50% of US container volumes and this strike will have major effects on goods in/out of the US from today. If the strike becomes prolonged, we will also see effects on other trade routes with increased queuing, additional costs and disruptions. The Biden administration has said that they are not getting involved in this negotiation but are urging the parties to continue dialogue in order to reach an agreement. The container shipping companies have introduced additional costs for goods in/out of the USA and changed routes and unloads containers in other ports according to the transport document's terms & conditions. We cannot today answer for the extent, but DSV follows the development and will keep you informed about how exactly your shipments will be affected as well as potential solutions. You are also very welcome to contact your regular contact person at DSV for further information and to discuss solutions. With kind regards DSV *Baltimore; Boston; Charleston, South Carolina; Jacksonville, Florida; Miami; Houston; Mobile, Alabama; New Orleans; New York/New Jersey; Norfolk, Virginia; Philadelphia; Savannah, Georgia; Tampa, Florida; and Wilmington, Delaware. **United States Maritime Alliance ***International Longshoremen’s Association 1
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