White House Encourages Unions and Employers to Negotiate New Port Contract, According to Reuters

The Biden administration is calling on both union representatives and employers to engage in good faith negotiations rapidly in order to finalize a contract before a potential strike at ports set for Tuesday, according to a White House official.

Discussions between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), which represents 45,000 port workers, and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have seemingly stalled over wage-related issues as the September 30 deadline approaches for a new contract.

On Friday, key officials including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su, and top White House economic adviser Lael Brainard will meet with USMX to stress the importance of reaching the negotiating table and conducting fair and swift negotiations, a message they shared with the ILA earlier this week.