This upcoming session leaves little time before the current contract extension expires on January 15, raising concerns about the possibility of a second strike by the ILA that could disrupt operations at ports on the US East and Gulf coasts.

Neither organization has commented on the status of the negotiations, which affect over 40,000 dockworkers.

While the ILA and USMX have reached an agreement on wages for the new contract, formal discussions have been stalled since mid-November. A key issue remains the provisions concerning port automation in the new agreement.

The ILA has adopted a firm stance against the use of automation technologies at its jurisdictional ports, specifically opposing the further deployment of semi-automated rail-mounted gantry cranes at East and Gulf coast facilities. On the other hand, the USMX argues that these technologies, including rail-mounted gantry cranes, enhance port productivity and create more job opportunities for longshore workers.