Five dockers at the Port of NY-NJ have been dismissed under a new absenteeism policy, the first cuts since the local contract was ratified.
Marine terminals at the Port of New York and New Jersey have dismissed five dockers under a new absenteeism policy, marking the first cuts since the local contract was ratified, reports New York's Journal of Commerce.
John Nardi, president of the Shipping Association of New York and New Jersey, stated that the firings in January were part of measures negotiated with the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA). He noted that absenteeism has already been cut in half since the policy took effect.
The new rules allow for three unexcused absences per month, with stricter penalties for absences occurring after weekends or holidays. Workers now face a warning after the first unexcused absence, with the possibility of termination after four. The contract also tightened rules regarding leaving shifts unexpectedly.
The agreement, part of the master contract with the United States Maritime Alliance, secured a 62 percent wage increase for ILA members through 2030. Labor costs at marine terminals have risen nearly 20 percent since March 2025.
The contract also requires each longshore gang to improve productivity by one container move annually or risk losing seniority. Relief hiring was expanded but must remain cost-neutral. Mr. Nardi mentioned that these measures have lifted productivity at the port's largest terminals by 7 percent.
ILA President Harold Daggett urged members to enhance performance to counter the risks posed by automation. Mr. Nardi added that consistent attendance is essential if the union wants to prevent job losses resulting from automation.
