East Coast Longshore Talks at Standstill

The talks between the International Longshoremen's Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance broke down after three days, the USMX said. The current contract expires Sept. 30. ILA officials didn't immediately comment.

USMX Chairman James Capo said the shippers "are disappointed with the uncompromising stand the ILA leadership is taking in the negotiations." He said "management's primary goal" is to improve productivity, including changing "antiquated work rules" which he said make the Port of New York and New Jersey "the most expensive port in the world." He said ILA workers receive an average of $124,138 a year in wages and benefits.

"USMX and its members stand ready to engage in substantive negotiations with the ILA over these important issues and to reach an agreement on a new contract that addresses the challenges we face, preserves thousands of good jobs and, in the end, is fair to both sides," Capo said: "We urge the ILA leadership to make the same commitment."