BETHESDA, MD – The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) joined 107 local, state and national trade associations today in a letter to President Obama, expressing concern over a potential East and Gulf Coast port strike. The letter urges immediate action by the White House to ensure that the lack of progress in ongoing labor contract negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance, LTD (USMX) does not result in a strike.

The latest talks between the parties broke down Dec. 18, less than two weeks before the current contract expires on Dec. 29. The coalition undersigning the letter was comprised of associations representing United States manufacturers, farmers, wholesalers, retailers, importers and transportation and logistics providers.

“As imports are a large and critical portion of the automotive aftermarket, a port strike threatens our industry’s supply chain and could cause serious economic harm to many of our members and their customers,” said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO. “We urge the president to take any action necessary to avert a strike and ensure the continued competitiveness of our industry.”

To view the entire letter and list of participating associations, click here.

About AAIA
AAIA is a Bethesda, Md.-based association whose more than 23,000 member and affiliates manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, service, tools, equipment, materials and supplies. Through its membership, AAIA represents more than 100,000 repair shops, parts stores and distribution outlets.