Waterfront Coalition Concerned About Impasse

August 30, 2012

Washington, DC - 8/27/12

In a letter to labor and management, the executive director of the Waterfront Coalition expressed concerns over the current negotiations impasse and asked both groups to return to the bargaining table.

"Our members, representing many of the nation's largest importers and exporters, rely on continuous and efficient movement of cargo through American ports," wrote Robin Lanier, Waterfront Coalition executive director.

"Manufacturers depend on East and Gulf Coast ports to deliver raw materials and parts used in the production of final goods. Exporters and farmers depend on these ports to fill orders overseas, and retailers depend on them to make sure that store shelves across the U.S. are stocked. A prolonged labor disruption could result in significant supply chain costs and lengthy cargo delays for the ports' many customers, which would complicate the ability of the economy to rebound our of recovery," Lanier added, indicating that a loss of business in the East and Gulf Coast ports would affect not only local economies, but the economy of the nation as a whole..."the Waterfront Coalition respectfully asks that you and your bargaining parties return to meaningful contract negotiations."

The Waterfront Coalition is a group of concerned business interests representing shippers, transportation providers, and others in the transportation supply chain committed to educating policy makers and the public about the economic importance of U.S. ports and foreign trade, and to promoting the most efficient and technologically advanced ports for the twenty-first century.

Coalition Goals

  • To be the unified voice supporting the implementation of available technology and infrastructure at the waterfront in order to build efficient and secure ports that can meet future demand.
  • To be the main source of information for supply chain stakeholders, especially cargo owners about the importance of cooperative efforts to increase port efficiency and security.
  • To be an agent of change on the waterfront through education, pilot projects and advocacy.
  • To educate and communicate with the public, media and government officials about the importance of ports to America's manufacturing, agricultural, transportation industries and consumer product industries, and the need for improved predictability, reliability, productivity and safety at the nation's seaports.