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Longshore unions take automation ire out on DP World

By Michael Angell

North American longshore unions are targeting terminal operator DP World, saying its plans to use advanced container lift equipment overseas and the lack of agreement with the unions on deploying new technology threatens dockworker jobs. But DP World points to technology deployed at its largest Canadian facility for not only expanding cargo handling, but also longshore work.

Following a three-day summit in Vancouver, a group that includes the Canadian and US arms of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union( ILWU), the International Longshoremen’ s Association( ILA), and unions from the UK, Australia and New Zealand issued a joint statement saying they faced“ direct threats” from DP World due to the operator’ s rollout of technology at its terminals.

“ We are seeing a concerted push by DP World to introduce AI and automation onto the waterfront, specifically as a tool to weaken organized labor,” the unions said in the statement.

Harrison Ha / Shutterstock. com

18 Journal of Commerce | November 2, 2026 www. joc. com