Toy Shippers Hope for 'Quick Progress' in ILA Talks

Toy shippers are the latest importers to urge the International Longshormen’s Association and United States Maritime Alliance to seek a contract agreement that averts a threatened Maine-to-Texas coast dock strike.

In a letter to the ILA and USMX, the Toy Industry Association said its members are already incurring expenses for contingency plans in advance of the ILA’s Sept. 30 contract expiration.

“Any unexpected delays or disruptions in the supply chain can result in high costs for everyone involved,” the association said. “Expenses are magnified when delays occur during peak shipping seasons — like in October, when retailers are stocking up for the holiday shipping season.”

The Toy Industry Association said it was encouraged that the ILA and USMX will resume negotiations next week under supervision of a federal mediator. “We hope to see quick progress and that both sides remain at the negotiating table until a new, long-term contract is agreed upon,” the association’s letter said.

Several other industry groups representing apparel, accessories, footwear importers and retailers, also have urged the ILA and USMX to reach an agreement that avoid a port work stoppage.

- Joseph Bonney, The Journal of Commerce.