Dockers and port employers tentative six years

(A cargo ship near a U.S. port highlights the importance of maritime shipping to trade show logistics. Picture provided by Paul Brennan via PublicDomainPictures.net. )

Tentative dockworker labor deal averts strike, ensures uninterrupted shipping and supply chain reliability for upcoming trade shows

Author: Exhibition City News Staff

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Union (USMX) have reached a tentative agreement on a six-year prime contract, averting a potential work stoppage originally scheduled for January 15, 2025. The agreement is still subject to approval by both parties and ensures uninterrupted operations at the Eastern and Gulf Coast ports – a critical component of the trade show and events industry’s supply chain.

A joint statement from ILA and USMX highlighted the importance of the agreement for job security, modernization and supply chain resiliency:

“This agreement protects current jobs at ILA and establishes a framework to implement technologies that will create additional jobs while modernizing Eastern and Gulf Coast ports, making them safer and more efficient, and creating The capabilities we need to keep our supply chains strong.”

Industry leaders applaud the agreement

The trade show industry responded positively to the announcement, emphasizing its critical role in maintaining supply chain reliability for upcoming events. Hervé Sedky, Chairman of the Exhibition and Convention Alliance (ECA) and President and CEO of Emerald Holding Inc., breathed a sigh of relief:

“ECA is pleased that both parties have been able to reach a positive resolution, confirming that event-related shipping and transport can continue without disruption. With thousands of conferences and trade shows taking place across the country in the coming weeks, this agreement will have Help ensure the U.S. business and professional events industry gets off to a strong start in 2025.”

Julie Kagy, executive director of the Exhibition Services and Contractors Association (ESCA), also welcomed the news but advised continued caution:

“While the tentative agreement is good news, we encourage you to remain cautious and proactive as negotiations may still need to be finalized. Planning shipments early and working with logistics providers remains best practice.”

Maintain confidence in trade show logistics

A potential strike would severely disrupt shipping and logistics services, which are critical to the success of trade shows, conferences and exhibitions across the country. With the tentative agreement in place, exhibitors and organizers can look forward to a more stable start to the year.

However, industry leaders are reminding stakeholders to be prepared. Proactive measures include arranging shipments as early as possible, maintaining close communication with logistics providers and keeping exhibitors informed of any developments in the approval process.

Kaji pointed to the wider importance of industrial partnerships:

“This resolution underscores the importance of our partnership with organized labor in driving the events industry’s continued growth and vitality.”

Looking to the future

As the ILA and USMX move forward with their respective approval processes, the trade show industry remains optimistic that the agreement will bring long-term stability. Advocacy groups such as the ECA and ESCA are continuing to monitor the situation and provide guidance to ensure the industry is prepared for any potential challenges.

This news now represents an important step forward in ensuring the seamless logistics operations that are fundamental to the success of U.S. trade shows and events.