As the January 15, 2025 deadline approaches, tensions between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) escalate over port automation—a dispute that could disrupt East and Gulf Coast port operations, some of the busiest in the U.S.

Read also: Port Operations Resume as USMX and ILA Reach Labor Agreement

A Brewing Labor Crisis

The current stalemate follows a three-day strike in October, temporarily resolved by wage increases and a contract extension. Negotiations broke down again last month as the ILA walked away from talks, citing concerns over automation’s impact on job security and national security.

ILA Executive Vice President Dennis A. Daggett’s recent Facebook post underscores the union’s opposition to semi-automated rail-mounted gantry cranes (RMGs). Daggett argued that while marketed as “semi-automated,” RMGs operate with minimal human input, threatening jobs. “This isn’t about safety or productivity—it’s about job elimination,” he stated, referencing ILA data suggesting that RMGs don’t outperform human-operated equipment.

USMX Advocates for Modernization

The USMX counters that modernization is vital for port efficiency and sustainability. In a recent statement, they emphasized the need for new technology to address land constraints at ports, enabling higher cargo volumes without expanding footprints.

One terminal’s experience was highlighted: after adopting RMG cranes, container volume doubled, employment surged from 600 to 1,200 workers, and wages increased via volume bonuses. “Modernization doesn’t mean fewer jobs. It creates new opportunities,” the USMX argued, urging for a forward-looking Master Contract.

National Security in Focus

Daggett also raised national security concerns, citing a South Atlantic port’s operational glitch as a cautionary tale. “Imagine if a foreign adversary exploited these vulnerabilities. This isn’t hypothetical—it’s a new form of warfare,” he warned, opposing increased automation without robust safeguards.

The Bigger Picture

This dispute mirrors the challenges of balancing innovation with preservation. Daggett drew comparisons to the containerization era of the 1960s-70s, which drastically reduced dockworker jobs. He warned of a similar trajectory, potentially slashing today’s workforce to unsustainable levels within 15 years.

The USMX, however, maintains that limiting technology would hamper efficiency and job growth. “We must strengthen the supply chain and enhance port resilience to disruptions or surges in trade volumes,” they said, calling for collaboration.

What Lies Ahead

The stakes are high for labor relations, port operations, and the broader U.S. maritime industry. As the deadline looms, both sides are rallying support.

“We urge workers, communities, and policymakers to stand with us,” Daggett said. “Technology should serve people, not profits.”

Meanwhile, the USMX calls for a partnership-focused solution: “A modernized Master Contract is essential to sustain a thriving maritime industry.”

As January approaches, the outcome of this dispute could reshape the future of U.S. port operations.