Print
Maritime

Workers Strike At Wilmington's Port, Halting Operations

By Emma Dill, posted Oct 1, 2024
Unionized workers picket at the Port of Wilmington on Tuesday. (Photo by Emma Dill)
International Longshoremen’s Association workers at the Port of Wilmington went on strike Tuesday amid broader work stoppages at ports on the East and Gulf coasts.

The ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance Ltd., an entity that represents container carriers, terminal operators and port associations, failed to agree on a new contract before the previous contract expired at midnight on Monday.

In Wilmington, local ILA members began picketing around 5 a.m. on Tuesday, according to Gregory Washington, president of ILA Local 1426. More than 100 members gathered on Tuesday morning, many wearing shirts reading “In solidarity with securing a strong contract” and holding signs. The local ILA has about 400 members, Washington said.

He said the strike adds pressure to the negotiations. He hopes a new contract will bring higher wages and protect port jobs from automation in the future. He’s hopeful negotiations will wrap up quickly and members of the ILA can return to work.

“When they talk about the shelves not having any food on it, or different things is not available because we're not working, we hurt too,” Washington said. “I go to that same store they go to when I look for some eggs or some whatever I'm looking for – it's not there for me either.”

Charles Seaton, president of Local 1766, has been working full-time at the Port of Wilmington since 1980. He wants the contract to protect clerical jobs like his from automation in the future and raises across the board.

“We got $4 in wage (raises) over the last six years, and that's not a whole lot of money,” Seaton said.

In a statement, N.C. State Ports Executive Director Brian Clark said ports officials are “hopeful that both parties will return to the negotiating table and reach an agreement that allows all the ports of the East and Gulf Coast to resume operations.”

N.C. Ports is recognizing the work stoppage and following a contingency plan, which it issued last week. Port employees working in areas affected by the strike will be temporarily reassigned to other areas, as needed, according to Clark.

The Port of Wilmington’s South (Container) Gate is closed for the pickup or delivery of cargo until an agreement is reached, and no container vessel operations will be conducted until further notice. No intermodal rail cargo will be worked on or off of the rail at the Port of Wilmington, according to Clark’s statement.

The Port of Wilmington’s North Gate and the Port of Morehead City will be operating on a normal schedule for general cargo operations. Tenant operations and general cargo yard operations will continue as normal in both ports. No general cargo vessel operations will be conducted until further notice.
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Untitleddesign12 101824110415

Fire Prevention in the Workplace: Key Tips and Solutions

Luke Wheeler - Holmes Security
Chris 16239425

Podcast Drop - E24: Craig Snow, Creating Community

Chris Capone - Capone & Associates
Untitleddesign12 11724100328

The Value of The Endowment

Daniel B Winslow - New Hanover Community Endowment

Trending News

Apartments Might Be Down The Lane For Former Bowling Alley Property

Staff Reports - Nov 8, 2024

Palliative Care Clinic Opening On Shipyard Boulevard

Staff Reports - Nov 7, 2024

Unofficial Local Election Results Show Narrow Margins, Incumbent Support

Emma Dill - Nov 6, 2024

Avelo Starts Florida, Connecticut Nonstop Flights From ILM

Staff Reports - Nov 7, 2024

In The Current Issue

GLE Maintains Laser-focus On Growth

The expanded space helps speed up the work needed to commercialize the company’s enrichment technology, said CEO Stephen Long. GLE also cont...


Downtown Patchwork: Redevelopment And Repair Coincide With New Projects

Two separate incidents raised concerns about a need for a closer look at historical buildings in the downtown area....


Indoor Games On The Rise

Game Over Escape Rooms Wilmington, owned by Logan Zanki, opened recently downtown at 224 N. Front St....

Book On Business

The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2024 Power Breakfast: The Next Season