NRF praises tentative labor deal for East Coast, Gulf Coast ports

The National Retail Federation today released the following statement from NRF Vice President of Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold following the announcement that a tentative new labor deal has been reached between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). The six-year contract expired on Sept. 30 last year and was extended until Jan. 15 following a three-day strike.

“We are pleased to see the ILA and USMX come to a final agreement on a new contract, as U.S. ports on the East and Gulf Coasts play a critical role in the retail supply chain.

“Providing certainty with a new contract and avoiding further disruptions is paramount to ensure retail goods arrive in a timely manner for consumers. The agreement will also pave the way for much-needed modernization efforts, which are essential for future growth at these ports and the overall resiliency of our nation’s supply chain.”

In December, NRF sent a letter signed by more than 260 groups to the parties urging them to return to the negotiation table.