January 3 - More good news from the USA where, having agreed to a 30-day extension of their current contract negotiations, the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the US Maritime Alliance (USMX) have agreed to a further extension of the dea

As we reported on December 31, progress was made over the festive period in contract talks between the two sides, which resulted in an agreement over container royalties, and extended contract talks another 30 days under federal mediation. Now the two sides have stated that the deadline has been further extended to February 6.

HLPFI understands that no schedule has yet been announced for the next round of bargaining.