The National Aquaculture Association has joined a letter signed by 267 federal, state and local trade associations urging the International Longshoreman’s Association (ILA) and US Maritime Alliance (USMX) to resume their negotiations prior to the January 15^th end of a contract extension.  Click here to read or download the letter.

A second strike would impact the import and export of goods by ship through the Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports. It is unclear at this point when/if the parties will return to the negotiating table.

John Stossel has posted a five- and half-minute video on X examining the point of contention: America’s Stone Age Ports: How Unions Block Progress.

There is significant concern the ILA will go on strike again when the contract expires on January 16^th. However, this could be a longer strike since the contract will expire five days before President-elect Trump’s inauguration. Based upon the past strike in October, President Biden will probably not take any action to end a strike. It is unclear what action President Trump might take when he assumes office.