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As the longshore workers’ contract nears its end in late September, negotiations have hit a snag, largely because of concerns about automated equipment. These discussions affect longshore workers along the East Coast and Gulf Coast.
At the heart of the dispute is a technological change at a small port in Mobile, Alabama, where trucks are now screened and allowed in without the need for unionized labor. The change has sparked considerable unrest among members of the International Longshoremen’s Association, which represents more than 47,000 longshoremen. The union’s president, Harold J. Daggett, has been vocal in his opposition to automation, saying it threatens jobs and will be challenged as long as he is in charge.
The standoff could potentially lead to disruptions at multiple ports, which could impact the broader supply chain this fall. The union’s stance against automation highlights the growing tensions between technological progress and job security in the shipping industry.
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