Maersk has halted port disruption surcharges after the strike threats at the US East and Gulf Coast ports were resolved.
In a recent update, Maersk welcomed the tentative agreement reached by the International Longshoremen Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. (USMX) on a new, six-year master contract.
The deal ends the threat of a U.S. Gulf and East Coast strike.
"This agreement, which now awaits ratification by ILA members in the coming weeks, ensures continued operations at major ports, safeguarding the stability of supply chains that handle nearly half of U.S. imports," Maersk said.
It noted that under the tentative deal, dockworkers will continue operating under the current contract until the new agreement is finalized.
"In light of the intended agreement, there will be no changes to terms and conditions, nor will port disruption surcharges apply," the Danish shipping company said.
"In addition, all services should be performed as per the latest available schedules. No additional contingencies are planned at this time," it added.
US East, Gulf ports strike averted
The threat of an impending port strike in the US East & Gulf ports on January 15 has been averted after ILA and USMX, which represents employers of the East and Gulf Coast longshore industry, reached a tentative deal on January 8.
The ILA and USMX said the agreement was reached on "all items" for a new six-year Master Contract — a positive sign for the supply chain industry, which has been concerned since October about a potential coast-wide port strike from Maine to Texas over automation issues.
Details of the new tentative agreement have not yet been released, however, to allow ILA rank-and-file-members and USMX members to review and approve the final document.
On October 1, 2024, around 45,000 members of the ILA launched its first coastwide strike since 1977. Union members set up picket lines at all the major ports on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. However, after three days, the ILA and the USMX were able to strike a temporary deal, immediately ending the work stoppage at some of North America's busiest ports.
The ILA and USMX have agreed on a 62% wage increase for dockworkers over a period of six years. However, this pay agreement is contingent upon both parties resolving other outstanding issues — especially those related to automation and semi-automation — by January 15 of this year. The ILA maintains the right to strike if an agreement is not reached.
