NY-NJ automation plans met with 200-strong ILA protest

09 Jan 2012 - Port Planning, Ports

• ILA members angry at new automation project at NY-NJ container terminal

• Protests foreshadow a heated battle over East Coast, Gulf port contract negotiations

A labor-saving technology plan to be introduced at the New York-New Jersey container terminal was condemned by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) on Friday, leading to a demonstration by more than 200 of its members.

There are now concerns that the protests could lead to a heated battle over East Coast and Gulf port contract negotiations, according to the JOC.

Officials of both the local and national ILA have raised concerns that the installation of new technology at the Global Terminal in Bayonne would mean the loss of a number of jobs at terminal yards and truck gates manned by union members.

However, Jim Devine, President of GCT USA, which owns the Global Terminal, claims that the primary goal of the project is not to eliminate jobs but to provide a safer and more productive environment for dock workers.

GCT’s enhanced technology plan includes the installation of rail-mounted gantry cranes and additional truck gates with OCR scanners, to be used in the terminal’s upcoming expansion scheduled for 2014. The expansion will see the terminal increase from its current size of 100 acres to 170 acres.

Virgil Maldonado, President of ILA Local 1588 in Bayonne, expresses concern at GCT’s plans of introducing further rail-mounted gantries, which he believes could lead to the technology being installed throughout the New Jersey facility.

“We’ve been to other terminals that have gone through this process and seen how it eliminates jobs,” said Maldonado. “We want guarantees to protect jobs that allow members to earn a decent living.”

ILA President Harold Daggett has pledged to do all in his power to receive job guarantees for workers affected by the project implementation, according to the JOC.