Port Tampa Bay is a landlord port which leases or licenses land to terminal operators that carry out the movement of cargo across the port’s docks. The terminal operator directly contract with the stevedores and other members of the ILA. Thus, as a landlord port, we do not employ any ILA members and no members of our staff will strike.
What is the potential strike about?
The ILA Labor Union and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) are tasked with reaching an agreement to an extension of their master contract, which is set to expire on Jan. 15, 2025. If an agreement cannot be reached by the deadline, the labor union indicated they will strike. Read more here. Here are Port Tampa Bay, the only member of our maritime community who is part of the U.S. Maritime Alliance is terminal operator, Ports America.
Will Port Tampa Bay employees be impacted?
As a landlord port, we do not employ any ILA members and no members of our staff will strike.
How will the potential strike impact me as a consumer?
The strike has the potential to delay delivery of certain commodities. At our port, these include containerized cargo, breakbulk (steel and lumber) and RoRo (automobiles). Of the more than 70 tenants at the port, including terminal operators, only one has been primarily impacted by the strike, which is Ports America. While Ports America handles other cargo, their primary business is containers, which are worked by ILA unionized labor. Port Tampa Bay is the largest cargo tonnage port in Florida and the most diversified.
The vast majority of the port’s business continues to be unaffected by the strike, including cruise, petroleum, perishables, cement, limestone, granite, sulfur, fertilizer, etc. The potential strike WILL NOT impact our ability to provide fuel or perishables to the region. Additionally, our cruise schedules will not be impacted by the potential strike and vessels will sail, as scheduled.
Will the port close during the strike?
No. Our port has several lines of business and the overwhelming cargo operators in our maritime community will see no impact. We will remain open and operational if a strike were to occur.
What other impacts could there be?
Any job connected with the movement of cargo (tug boat operators, harbor pilots, truck drivers, etc.) could see their own impact associated with the potential strike. These entities are associated with our maritime community but not employed by Port Tampa Bay.
I do business with the port, or am a beneficial cargo owner, how will I be notified of any impacts?
If you are a customer impacted by the strike, you will be contacted by Terminal Operator Ports America directly.
Is this strike impacting just Port Tampa Bay?
No, this strike is having an impact on a majority of East and Gulf Coast ports.
Didn’t this strike already happen? Why is it happening again?
Both parties agree to a temporary contract extension on Oct. 3, 2024. That agreement is set to expire on Jan. 15, 2025, which has promoted the potential strike of the ILA for a second time.
How long do you anticipate the strike will last?
The port has no ability to negotiate on behalf of either party, but remains in close communication with both the ILA and USMX. We hope for a quick outcome for all parties.