Talks to Avert US Port Strikes Continue

Update on United States Maritime Alliance and International Longshoremen's Association labor contract negotiations.

Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service Director George H. Cohen issued the following statement on the labor negotiations:

"The United States Maritime Alliance and the International Longshoremen's Association conducted negotiations during the three day period January 15-17, 2013.  In these negotiations the parties made progress and have agreed that the negotiations will continue under our auspices."

"Due to the sensitivity of these negotiations, we will have no further comment at this time."

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, created in 1947, is an independent U.S. government agency whose mission is to preserve and promote labor-management peace and cooperation. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 10 district offices and 67 field offices, the agency provides mediation and conflict resolution services to industry, government agencies and communities.