Port Labor Talks Focus on Balancing Automation with Job Creation
As the January 15 deadline to avoid a new strike by dockworkers approaches, key members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) met secretly on Sunday to discuss the contentious issue of automation and semi-automation in ports.
Finding Common Ground
The eight-hour meeting aimed to bridge the gap between the dockworkers’ union and ports ownership, with a focus on creating new human jobs to complement any new port technology. According to sources close to the talks, language on automation was drafted to facilitate the full bargaining committee review process, set to take place on Tuesday.
The Technology in Question
The meeting included representatives from port terminals where automation technology is already in use, such as rail-mounted gantry (RMG) cranes at container terminals in Bayonne, New Jersey, and the NIT Terminal in Virginia. These cranes utilize cameras, alignment guides, anti-sway technology, and motion-dampening controls to enhance efficiency and productivity.
A Commitment to Research and Utilize Technology
A document reviewed by sources indicates that the ILA reserves the right to add union workers in the future to complement new technologies, with a commitment from both parties to research and utilize technology that assists operators in being more efficient and productive.
The Role of Human Operators
The document highlights the importance of skilled human crane operators working in tandem with modern crane control systems to handle port tasks requiring precision. It also references semi-automated RMG operations, where humans control complex tasks while automation handles repetitive motions.
Concerns Over Labor Costs and Inflation
While the proposed language on automation suggests the USMX is willing to address union concerns over jobs, port sources express concerns about new labor costs that may not accurately reflect port needs and economics. These costs could ultimately be passed on to consumers, contributing to inflation.
Uncertainty Remains
It remains unclear whether the full USMX bargaining team will agree to the document language on automation, risking another strike. The ILA declined to comment on the meeting, and the outcome of the negotiations hangs in the balance.
A Delicate Balance
As the deadline looms, both sides must navigate the complex issue of automation and job creation. The stakes are high, with the potential for government intervention and far-reaching consequences for the supply chain and consumers.
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