July 22, 2024 – The association representing East and Gulf Coast port employers said Thursday “there is forward movement” toward resolving some of the issues that have recently stalled talks. Labour contract negotiations hit a bump in June when the International Longshoremen’s Association canceled a planned meeting with employers association United States Maritime Alliance – more simply known as USMX – citing the use of automated truck gates at multiple ports. Since then, shippers and other stakeholders have expressed fears a labour deal will not be reached before the contract expires on September 30.