Retailers Urge ILA-USMX: Don’t Gamble with U.S. Economy
Industry prepping for another port strike
- By [ Jess Dankert , Sarah Gilmore ]
- Washington, DC
- 01/06/2025
The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) issued the following statement ahead of the January 15 deadline for a master contract agreement between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX).
“After just wrapping a successful holiday shopping season, retailers are starting the new year excited for opportunities to continue delivering for consumers. Similarly, we know Americans are entering 2025 eager for more progress on inflation and continued economic growth.
“However, a looming strike along East and Gulf Coast ports injects a troublesome dose of uncertainty and disruption into retail supply chains, which will ultimately put U.S. economic goals in jeopardy. We’re glad to see contract negotiations resuming this week, but retailers remain cautious about the potential for a labor strike impacting key ports.
“Paralyzing these critical global commerce gateways will lead to shipment delays, increased costs, and potential supply shortages that could impact multiple sectors of the economy. And the longer a work stoppage goes on, the more consumers will feel the ripple effects.
“With just ten days until the deadline for an agreement that averts a strike, leading retailers are implementing contingency plans and working to try to keep inventory moving and limit the impact to consumers. But the ability to keep the engine of global trade fully revving in this case lies with the ILA and USMX.
“Too much is at stake, at home and abroad, to lead off the year on the wrong foot with a major labor strike. We urge both parties to remain at the negotiating table until a deal is reached, and help our economy start the new year well-positioned for success.”
“After just wrapping a successful holiday shopping season, retailers are starting the new year excited for opportunities to continue delivering for consumers. Similarly, we know Americans are entering 2025 eager for more progress on inflation and continued economic growth.
“However, a looming strike along East and Gulf Coast ports injects a troublesome dose of uncertainty and disruption into retail supply chains, which will ultimately put U.S. economic goals in jeopardy. We’re glad to see contract negotiations resuming this week, but retailers remain cautious about the potential for a labor strike impacting key ports.
“Paralyzing these critical global commerce gateways will lead to shipment delays, increased costs, and potential supply shortages that could impact multiple sectors of the economy. And the longer a work stoppage goes on, the more consumers will feel the ripple effects.
“With just ten days until the deadline for an agreement that averts a strike, leading retailers are implementing contingency plans and working to try to keep inventory moving and limit the impact to consumers. But the ability to keep the engine of global trade fully revving in this case lies with the ILA and USMX.
“Too much is at stake, at home and abroad, to lead off the year on the wrong foot with a major labor strike. We urge both parties to remain at the negotiating table until a deal is reached, and help our economy start the new year well-positioned for success.”
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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.
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.
Tags
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International Trade
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Public Policy
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Supply Chain
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Supporting Free Markets and Fostering Innovation
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Workforce
