A strike at some of the nation’s busiest ports will likely be avoided. Dock workers and the U.S. Maritime Alliance say they have reached a deal with the help of the incoming Administration.
In a joint statement, the two parties said they have come to an agreement on all items in the new six-year contract, but they are not releasing any details. Automation was a major sticking point in negotiations, but leaders on both sides say the deal will protect jobs will advancing technology on docks. Union President Harold Dagget says talks took a turn after meeting with President-elect Trump, and says he gives Trump full credit for the agreement.
A strike was set to begin January 15th.
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Pressure on grain storage capacity and stronger export positioning are pushing more grain onto railroads, highways, and river systems as logistics become a key bottleneck this fall.
The Cotton-4 are pushing hard for new value chain investments. Still, many U.S. cotton producers face unsustainable losses, and weakened regional textile capacity threatens the survival of the Carolina “dirt-to-shirt” supply chain.
Despite the need for swift action, many ag lawmakers and industry groups argue that farm aid alone will likely not be sufficient to help farmers without improved trade relations with China.
