October 2nd, 2024
This morning, IAM joined over 200 organizations in an urgent letter requesting President Biden and the Administration to use all of its available authorities to end the current port strike, to open the closed ports as soon as possible, and see that the parties go back to the negotiation table. the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). The letter follows earlier communications from IAM and other industries to Capitol Hill, expressing our concern with the potential of a port strike, which took effect yesterday.
While the ILA has created a strike website, absent from their communications to the public are any details on what may be moved in during the strike, “military cargo” (largely undefined) included. US Transportation Command has indicated forthcoming guidance to industry for service members moves will be issued this week.
Yesterday, the Federal Maritime Commission issued a release highlighting the different consumer assistance, enforcement, and litigation services that companies may find helpful in seeking relief from current supply chain challenges throughout the strike period. The release also reminded stakeholders of the appropriate circumstances under which any detention and demurrage charges may be issued, in line with the Ocean Shipping Reform Act.
The FMC announcement comes on the heels of U.S. Dept. of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s strong statement, calling on ocean carriers to withdraw their announced surcharges, as a result of the port strike.
As developments continue to occur, IAM will keep members posted. If you have any questions in the meantime, please reach out to Bryan Vickers, with IAM’s Legislative and Regulatory team, bvickers@pacellp.com, 703-403-2882.