The current labor contract expires Sept. 30, 2018. Photo: Bloomberg NewsCargo companies and the union representing longshore workers at East Coast and Gulf Coast seaports are getting an early start on contract negotiations at gateways long marked by tensions. This week, the International Longshoremen’s Association held informal contract talks in Florida with the United States Maritime Alliance Ltd., which represents the employers of some 25,000 unionized Atlantic and Gulf Coast port workers. A representative for ILA Local 1422 referred questions on the slowdown to the mechanics’ union, ILA Local 1422-A, whose president didn't immediately return a message seeking comment. During the last round of talks some ports went for months without local agreements after having ratified the master contract.

Source: Wall Street Journal February 16, 2017 20:12 UTC