2012 TPM Conference to Highlight East Coast Longshore Contract Negotiations

JOC Staff |
NEWARK, N.J., Jan. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Labor relations at Atlantic and Gulf ports, a vital topic for shippers and carriers in advance of the expiration of a coastwide longshoremen's contract this fall, will be discussed in a session during the 2012 TPM conference in Long Beach, Calif., on March 5-6, organized by The Journal of Commerce.

Harold Daggett, the newly elected president of the International Longshoremen's Association, and James Capo, chairman and CEO of United States Maritime Alliance, will appear together to outline their views on issues affecting port labor relations on the East and Gulf Coasts. Daggett and Capo will be chief negotiators in bargaining for a new ILA-USMX contract to replace the one that expires Sept. 30.

The ILA and USMX are expected to open negotiations this spring, making the labor discussion at this year's TPM conference especially timely. It will be the first time Daggett, who took office last July, and Capo have met at the same public forum to discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding this year's negotiations.

East and Gulf Coast ports became an attractive alternative for shipments from Asia following port labor disruptions on the West Coast nearly a decade ago, and they handle more than 45 percent of total U.S. container volumes, according to PIERS data. With the Panama Canal scheduled to open to larger ships after 2014 and eastern railroads investing heavily in intermodal facilities that connect East Coast ports to the interior, this year's contract negotiations take on added importance.

The negotiations will take place against a backdrop of renewed losses by container ship lines -- a reversal of last year's rebound from more than $15 billion in losses during the 2009 recession.

The presentations by Harold Daggett and James Capo will provide insights and information that will help shippers, carriers and others better understand the issues at stake in this year's ILA-USMX contract talks.

Registration is now open for the 2012 event. To register, or to view the current agenda, please visit: http://www.joc.com/tpm2012.
Register by January 31, and receive a $100 discount. Use this code: PRTPM12

To view daily news visit www.joc.com.
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About The Journal of Commerce
Since 1827, The Journal of Commerce has been the most trusted source of intelligence for international logistics executives to help them plan global supply chains and better manage day-to-day transportation of goods and commodities in the United States and internationally.

JOC members have access to our weekly print and digital magazine and Web site, as well as a 10 percent discount on all JOC events and trade shows, UBM Global Trade Directories and select PIERS products. Authoritative editorial content in the form of daily news, weekly analysis and regular features ensure our members have the information and data necessary to understand the issues facing trucking, rail and maritime transportation. Members enjoy access to By the Numbers, an exclusive weekly compilation of key industry statistics that provides detailed views of current market trends across all modes. Regular market intelligence reports -- utilizing PIERS trade data -- include Top 100 Imports and Exporters, quarterly Top 40 Container lines, Trans-Pacific and Trans-Atlantic Maritime Forecasts and Top Container Ports and Terminals. Market-sector supplements, including Breakbulk, Cool Cargoes, 3PL, JOC Guide to Trucking and others, ensure all modes are comprehensively covered.

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