News / USMX and ILA in 'claims blame game' as strike deadline looms

Harold Daggett

As the deadline for a new contract between the US east and Gulf coast members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and employer body the USMX draws agonisingly closer, the blame game is already well under way.

Yesterday saw another exchange of public announcements, with each side claiming the other refuses to negotiate.

“Despite additional attempts by USMX to engage with the ILA and resume bargaining, we have been unable to schedule a meeting to continue negotiations on a new master contract,” ...