TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Back in October, the International Longshoremen’s Association went on strike for three days. It temporarily paralyzed 36 ports along the East and Gulf coasts.
Those ports, including the Port of Tampa Bay, reopened days after a tentative deal was reached, but it expires on January 15.
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The underlying issues still remain if a new deal isn’t reached. This could have major implications across the country, state, and even locally in Tampa Bay, in the matter of weeks.
Dockworkers along the East and Gulf coasts had demanded a fair contract, higher pay, and to stop port automation.
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“The ILA is fighting for respect, appreciation, and fairness in a world in which corporations are dead set on replacing hard-working people with automation,” said Nicholas Difresco, President of ILA Local1691 Clerks and Checkers.
Three days later, the ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance said both sides reached a tentative agreement on pay and agreed to extend their current contract until January 15. However, as that deadline approaches, a new deal will need to be reached, or another strike could begin.