JOC Reports Increased Likelihood of ILA Strike

"I think we'll be on strike," ILA President Harold Daggett said after negotiations broke off yesterday. The current ILA / USMX contract is due to expire on December 29 and ILA members voted last week to authorize a strike if no agreement could be made by the 29th.

The JOC has reported that Dave Adam, executive vice president of USMX, said employers agreed Tuesday to a federal mediator's proposal that the parties return January 7 after the holidays to begin two weeks of intensive negotiations. The ILA proposed a contract extension to February 1, but under the condition that the USMX maintain the status quo on container royalties, something employers said was unacceptable. At that point, the negotiations broke off.

The ILA has indicated they are prepared to strike at "one minute past midnight" and that they are waiting to be contacted by the USMX regarding next steps.

Liberty will continue to provide updates on this topic as more information becomes available.