The suspension of the U.S. port strike, following an agreement between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the USMX (United States Maritime Alliance), brings temporary relief to the shipping industry.

The deal, which includes wage increases, addresses immediate concerns but leaves the contentious issue of port automation unresolved. Both sides have set a deadline of January 15, giving them exactly 103 days to bridge their differences.

While logistics executives welcomed the agreement, there are growing concerns that automation will prove to be a “major stumbling block” during upcoming negotiations. Many believe that the 100-day window may not be sufficient to reconcile the sharp divide between labor and management on this issue.