By Daniel Munch
American Farm Bureau Federation
Everyone loves a sequel — don’t they? Well, ready or not, we’re gearing up for a second showdown between the International Longshoreman’s Association (ILA) union and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). A three-day strike last fall (Oct. 1-3) delivered a tentative agreement for a 62% base wage increase for hourly dockworkers (from $39 to $63 per hour) over six years, as well as an extension of the master contract to allow more time for final negotiations. However, with that extension set to expire on Jan. 15, the union could reignite tensions by calling a new work stoppage, potentially disrupting most non-bulk shipping at U.S. East Coast and Gulf ports once again.