Even before January 10’s announcement, more than half of employees at JPMorgan had already been required to work from the office full-time.

"You've given us almost zero confidence in the integrity of your supply chains," MP Liam Byrne said to Shein executives in a January 7 hearing in parliament.

The NRF praised the two sides for providing certainty for supply chains, and for helping pave the way for modernization at U.S. ports. 

The two sides agreed to continue to operate under the current contract until the union can meet with its full Wage Scale Committee, and schedule a ratification vote.

Sources told CNBC that the discussions largely centered around hammering out language surrounding automation at U.S. ports. 

Diversion of future shipments to West Coast ports would become more difficult and costly if a stoppage was prolonged as ships back-up and remain unloaded, reducing available capacity.

Hiring a veteran is a good move for any business, but it makes particular sense in the realm of supply chain and logistics, where the skills overlap is notable.

The planned talks are a welcome sign for importers and exporters bracing for a labor disruption that would shut every major port on the U.S. East and Gulf coasts. 

The ILA and USMX have until January 15 to come to a deal on a new collective bargaining agreement to avert another strike at U.S. ports.

With contentious union negotiations, rapid advancements in automation and AI, and growing global scrutiny on human rights abuses, 2025 is set to be a transformative year for labor.