Despite tentative wage deal, USMX and ILA have bumpy road ahead on other key issues
With the 62% wage increase being an unprecedented offer to the union, the USMX will be hard-pressed to give in on other key demands the ILA is making, sources say, especially as the offer merely reinforces the longstanding disconnect in the view of ocean carriers between high US port costs primarily driven by longshore labor and low productivity.
USDA Offers Resources, Adds Flexibilities to Disaster Assistance Programs to Help Hurricane Helene-Impacted Farmers, Foresters and Communities
WASHINGTON, Oct. 4, 2024 – In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which devastated communities, homes, farms and businesses across parts of the Southeast, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has deployed staff to assist with response and recovery efforts. USDA is also putting in place contingency plans and program flexibilities to ensure farmers, and foresters and communities are able to get the support they need. USDA is sharing information today to help impacted people learn about resources that may be available to them.
US East, Gulf coast ports confident of smooth post-strike reopening
Ports on the US East and Gulf Coast say they have spare capacity and expect minor disruptions as they process more than 60 ships backlogged by a three-day strike
LA-LB port significantly cuts emissions, but tougher challenges await
The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach registered their best year ever in reducing emissions, but they still face daunting challenges as they strive to reduce pollution that remains from vessel, cargo handling, truck and rail sources.
USDA Awards $19.2M in Scholarships for Undergraduates at 1890 Land-grant Institutions
WASHINGTON, Oct. 4, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today a $19.2 million investment in 1890 Land-grant Universities to provide undergraduate scholarships for students to stimulate interest in food and agricultural careers.
USDA Invests more than $11 Million to Support Resiliency in U.S. Dairy Industry
MADISON, Wis., Oct. 4, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced $11.04 million in funding to support dairy businesses and producers under the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBI) grant program, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. The initiatives support small and mid-sized dairy businesses in the development, production, marketing, and distribution of dairy products.
ILA, USMX agree on new wage offer and contract extension that reopens ports
Maritime employers and the union representing some 45,000 East and Gulf coast dockworkers have reportedly closed the gap in wage expectations to just $1 per hour per year.
ILA strike leaves US reefer importers few options, more risks
Refrigerated container shippers using US East and Gulf coast ports are tapping some non-unionized terminals, but they fear produce stuck on ships and in ports will spoil, and equipment will become scarcer if the strike lasts longer than a week.