Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Su says employers “have refused” good faith offer to ILA

In the first day of the longshore strike that has shut down ports on the U.S. East and Gulf coasts, Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su criticized employers represented by the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) who “have refused” to put forward a good faith proposal to the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) that might have avoided the current strike.

In an October 1st ‘Statement from Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su on negotiations between USMX, the International Longshoremen’s Association,’ the Acting Labor Secretary said: “As these companies make billions and their CEOs bring in millions of dollars in compensation per year, they have refused to put an offer on the table that reflects workers’ sacrifice and contributions to their employer’s profits.”

Su commended the efforts of longshore workers represented by the ILA: ““Over the last week and more, I have spent hours on the phone and in meetings with the parties urging them to find a way to reach a fair contract. This country’s port workers put their health and safety on the line to keep working through the pandemic so we could get the goods we needed as COVID raged and these workers will help communities recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene.”

Su urged both sides to return to the negotiating table but said “giant shipping magnates” should share in their economic success: “The parties need to get back to the negotiating table, and that must begin with these giant shipping magnates acknowledging that if they can make record profits, their workers should share in that economic success.”

Su concluded by stating: “The American economy has defied all expectations thanks to the Biden-Harris administration’s leadership. There is room for both companies and their workers to prosper.”

On October 1st, the USMX’s ‘UPDATE ON STATUS OF USMX-ILA NEGOTIATIONS”’ said USMX has made a good faith offer to increase wages by nearly 50%:

“We have demonstrated a commitment to doing our part to end the completely avoidable ILA strike. Our current offer of a nearly 50% wage increase exceeds every other recent union settlement, while addressing inflation, and recognizing the ILA’s hard work to keep the global economy running. We look forward to hearing from the Union about how we can return to the table and actually bargain, which is the only way to reach a resolution.”

The ILA had proposed a 77% pay raise over the six-year life of the contract.

On September 30^th, USMX said its latest offer was a fair one. “Our offer would increase wages by nearly 50%, triple employer contributions to employee retirement plans, strengthen our health care options, and retain the current language around automation and semi-automation.”

The ILA has rejected the USMX proposals.