Farmers, Exporters Relieved After Three-Day Port Strike Ends

After a three-day walkout by 45,000 longshoremen along the East and Gulf coasts, members of the International Longshoremen’s Union and the U.S. Maritime Alliance representing shippers and terminal operators came to a tentative agreement to end the strike, the union’s first since 1977. The agreement was announced October 3, ending a strike that began October 1.

The union accepted a raise of 62 percent over a six-year contract. The union had initially demanded a 77 percent raise over three years. Union members will return to work under an extension of the current contract while negotiators work out remaining details. The union’s other big concern was automation of cranes, gates and trucks.

Members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) walked out on October 1, shutting dozens of ports and terminals in the East and Gulf coasts.

Mike Seyfert, President and CEO of the National Grain and Freed Association, said, “It is a relief that a tentative agreement has been reached and the ports will be open for business once again. For U.S. farm products to flow smoothly to domestic and international markets, it is essential for all parts of the supply chain to be fully functioning. The shutdown of these vital shipping ports was already starting to create big problems for NGFA’s members and America’s farmers during harvest season. Left unresolved, this strike could have led to higher transportation costs for agricultural shippers and jeopardized valuable customer relationships. For the sake of rural America, we hope that the parties involved will work diligently between now and January 15 to find a long-term agreement that works for both sides and keeps our shipping channels open.” The Farm Bureau estimated that $1.4 billion a week in agricultural trade was at risk during the strike.