The Toy Association Urges ILA & USMX to Return to Bargaining Table

December 6, 2024 | As East and Gulf Coast longshore labor negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) continue to stall over the issues of automation and technology, The Toy Association has joined more than 260 stakeholders urging both sides to return to negotiations before the current contract expires.

A coalition of federal, state, and local trade associations, including The Toy Association, signed onto a letter sent to both the ILA and USMX on December 6 asking the two sides to reach a new labor contract before the new expiration date.

“We strongly urge the ILA and USMX to return to the negotiating table and finalize a long-term agreement that addresses both parties' concerns while maintaining the flow of goods vital to our industry and countless others,” said Kathrin Belliveau, chief policy officer at The Toy Association. “The economic ripple effects of continued uncertainty are too great to ignore.”

The ILA went on a three-day strike on October 1 when the contract between the union and the USMX expired on September 30 and the two sides had not come to an agreement over wages and automation. On October 4, both sides reached a temporary agreement for a tentative 62 percent wage increase and short-term contract extension to January 15.

The Toy Association continues to remain active in coalition activities and stay engaged with the situation to keep members updated with any developments.