Retailers Sound Alarm on Imminent Port Strike

Retailers Sound Alarm on Imminent Port Strike

• 09/24/2024

Washington, DC - The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) today issued the following statement as the September 30 deadline nears for the International Longshoreman's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) to reach a labor contract agreement which averts a strike at the East and Gulf Coast ports.

"Retailers are increasingly concerned about the negative impacts a strike at U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports will have on supply chains and the broader economy. With the clock quickly winding down, RILA is urging the Biden-Harris administration to quickly intervene and ensure both parties reach an agreement.

"The ripple effects of a strike-port congestion, vessel delays and missed shipments, increased shipping costs, inventory challenges, and more-all amount to yet another round of supply chain disruption and uncertainty. Given the current contract expiration date has been on the calendar for years, retailers view this strike and its imminent disruption as a self-inflicted wound to the U.S. economy. It is unfortunate that talks were seemingly stalled to prepare for a strike rather than to continue forward and find a solution. And although retailers have already activated contingency plans to help mitigate its effects, the longer a work stoppage goes on, the harder it will be to do so.

"Given the economic stakes and both parties' inability to reach an agreement to date, it's imperative the Biden -Harris administration engage directly to encourage a swift resolution. There is still time to get both sides back at the negotiating table and find an agreement."

RILA joins over 170 organizations representing a broad coalition of industries, as well as a nearly 70 U.S. House lawmakers calling on the White House to engage.
RILA is the US trade association for leading retailers. We convene decision-makers, advocate for the industry, and promote operational excellence and innovation. Our aim is to elevate a dynamic industry by transforming the environment in which retailers operate.

RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $2.7 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs, and hundreds of thousands of stores, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers domestically and abroad.

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