Posts tagged longshore workers
Dockworkers along the East Coast are threatening to strike in October
August 14, 2024 // Full-time registered longshore workers on the West Coast, which had its own share of unrest last year, earned an average of nearly $200,000 a year in 2022, according to an estimate from the shippers — some of the best-paid industrial workers in the world. Their numbers have dwindled as the industry moves to automation. That's been a sticking point in negotiations, as we previously explained.
Councilmember calls for report on driverless cargo handlers at LA port
August 18, 2023 // In 2019, the Board of Harbor Commissioners voted 3-2 to approve a permit for Maersk, a global logistics conglomerate, to introduce driverless electric cargo handlers inside its facility at the port. Part of Maersk’s transport and logistics business unit, APM Terminal’s Pier 400, is one of the largest single proprietary terminals in the world, according to McOsker’s office. The Los Angeles City Council stepped in and voted to deny the permit to begin the process of automating operations at the APM terminal. Shortly afterward, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, which represents dockworkers, and the Pacific Maritime Association — the group representing industry leaders — entered into an agreement with APM to proceed with the program. Under this plan, APM would deploy up to 130 driverless cargo handlers to shuttle containers from the docks to drayage trucks and rail, establish a workforce training program for ILWU members who work at the terminal, and pursue efforts to employ those workers.