News Release
FOR RELEASE - October 3, 2024
Contact: Shawn Balcomb, press@aapa-ports.org
American Association of Port Authorities
Phone: (202) 792-4033
www.aapa-ports.org
Washington, D.C. — Today, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) celebrated the public announcement of a tentative agreement between the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) and the International Longshoremen Association (ILA) and the immediate resumption of operations at effected East and Gulf Coast ports.
“Without the strong cooperation of management and labor, port authorities simply cannot move cargo, maintain a fluid supply chain, and keep our nation’s economy growing,” stated AAPA President and CEO, Cary S. Davis. “As it takes some time for operations to return to normal, we must be patient and are also reminded once again that our system is resilient and can withstand short and contained impediments. However, we are glad the strike has ended, and AAPA sincerely thanks the USMX and ILA for coming together and negotiating a tentative agreement.”
Background:
While ports have a limited role in labor negotiations and most do not directly employ labor, AAPA sent President Biden a letter, prior to the strike, highlighting the potentially devastating impacts of a protracted strike on our nation’s supply chain and economy.
About AAPA:
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) is the unified voice of port leaders and maritime industry partners across the Western Hemisphere who serve a vital role in job-creation, international competitiveness, and economic prosperity. Connecting small business owners, retailers, and manufacturers to the global marketplace, AAPA member organizations advocate for national policies and infrastructure investments in support of a resilient global supply chain and a positive impact on the way people live, work, travel, and engage in commerce.
