Trade groups ask Biden to help prevent labor strike at East, Gulf coast ports

The National Retail Federation (NRF) and a group of 177 trade associations are asking President Joe Biden to help resolve a labor dispute between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and East and Gulf coast ports to prevent a strike that could begin as early as Oct. 1.

In a Sept. 17 letter, the associations ask the Biden administration to work with the ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) to reach a new master contract for all maritime container ports along the East and Gulf coasts before the current one expires Sept. 30. ILA leadership has said the parties are far apart on reaching a new agreement and a strike could begin Oct. 1 if a new one isn't reached beforehand. 

“A strike at this point in time would have a devastating impact on the economy, especially as inflation is on the downward trend," the letter states. "At this critical juncture, it is imperative that the parties return to the table without engaging in disruptive activities that could harm the economy and the millions of businesses, workers and consumers who rely on the seamless flow of goods, both imports and exports.”

In June, the NRF and a coalition of 158 state and federal trade associations also issued a call for the administration to help the two parties return to the negotiating table after discussions had stalled. The threat of a strike during the peak shipping season has many retailers already implementing costly mitigation strategies, according to the NRF.

The Association of American Railroads is monitoring the situation on behalf of its railroads, according to a spokeswoman. CSX, one of the Class Is that would be impacted by such a strike, is closely monitoring the potential of a strike and "will communicate with customers on any operational actions that may become necessary," said  spokeswoman Sheriee Bowman.