Key issues include demands for higher wages and resistance to port automation. ILA President Harold Daggett warns that government intervention, like invoking the Taft-Hartley Act, could lead to worker slowdowns.

A strike, especially during peak shipping season, could severely impact operations. Sea Intelligence estimates a one-day strike could cause delays lasting five days, while a week-long strike might result in slowdowns until mid-November. Daily freight at East Coast ports is valued at $3.7 billion, with potential delays raising consumer costs and disrupting supply chains.

The National Retail Federation and other groups urge government intervention, fearing even brief disruptions could harm the economy. The U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) is open to negotiations but fears the ILA is set on striking.

Both parties have engaged the Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service, but with the October 1 deadline approaching, a resolution remains uncertain.

Source:

The U.S. Commercial Service developed the concept for the REC after recognizing that rural American companies lack access to the same resources and trade ecosystem as companies in larger, metropolitan areas. Additionally, exporters have frequently identified the need for detailed, industry-specific market research to help them find opportunities in foreign markets.

Companies throughout rural America can sign up for research assistance through the REC. This virtual service will help them find the best international markets and identify specific buyers in those markets who may be prospective business partners. Together with their local U.S. Commercial Service Trade Specialist, they tap into the global network of U.S. Commercial Service offices located in U.S. Embassies and Consulates in over 70 countries around the world.

In addition to research services, the REC offers a series of virtual skills-acquisition focused trainings on the topics of website globalization and market research skills.

The RAISE (Rural America’s Intelligence Service for Exporters) program provides rural U.S. companies with one-on-one market intelligence from a team who identifies customized industry-specific insights and contacts.
RAISE intel can help companies with the following needs:

• Determining if there is export opportunity, and where, including prioritized country rankings
• Building a strategic export plan based on data and on-the-ground realities
• Developing a prospective buyer list, to see who is currently on the ground active in your industry segment
• Amplifying your presence at a trade show by developing a contact list to do promotions prior to the trade show.

For more information and resources from REC go to