NRF Lauds New East, Gulf Coast Port Contract

The International Longshoreman’s Association (ILA) has voted to approve a new, long-term master labor contract covering port terminal operations along the East and Gulf Coast ports.

According to Jonathan Gold, the National Retail Federation's VP for Supply Chain and Customs Policy, the vote is "welcomed news to the nation’s retailers, who have been on pins-and-needles for the past year due to the possibility of a supply chain disruption along the 14 East and Gulf Coast container ports.”

“The ILA and United States Maritime Alliance should be commended for reaching today’s pinnacle vote," Gold said, "and doing so without engaging in any disruption, stoppage, lockout or strike.”

“The nation’s ports are our economic lifeline to the world,” Gold added. “Today’s vote will bring much-needed certainty and efficiency to East and Gulf Coast port operations and secure the United States’ position in the global supply chain."

The NRF represents retailers of all types and sizes, including chain restaurants and industry partners, from the U.S. and more than 45 countries abroad.