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Contested case where our client struck cargo that was not securely fastened to a flatbed trailer. Suit was filed after legal liability was denied by the legal representatives.....
Tractor trailer driver rear ended our client causing spinal fracture which required a vertebral fusion surgery. Truck driver sought to blame...
We collected $5.1 million for the benefit of our client who suffered Traumatic Brain Injury and other injuries while riding as a guest passenger in a car that was struck by the driver of a pickup....
We secured a settlement of $2.1 million from the driver who crossed the center-line and struck our client head-on and from our client's...
Motorcyclist injured because another driver attempted a left turn directly across his lane of travel. Injury to leg and foot along with multiple bruises and abrasions...
Client's husband called after nearly accepting the at-fault driver's policy limits of $100,000.00, believing ...
Pedestrian struck in the parking lot of a car wash and incident resulted in traumatic brain injury for elderly victim...
Client suffered two broken legs in an intersection collision caused by driver who disregarded a posted stop...
Our boutique injury law firm only handles roadway crash cases, with particular focus on collision cases involving tractor-trailers and commercial trucks. Crashes involving large trucks often result in serious or catastrophic injuries. Carl Nagle is a former insurance adjuster, with experience handling trucking claims for a large, national insurance carrier. He also worked as an insurance defense lawyer in Atlanta before moving to North Carolina. During those years, he was retained by trucking insurance companies to defend careless truck drivers. He knows exactly how truck insurance adjusters and insurance defense lawyers work to avoid or minimize valid injury claims.
We are North Carolina's only pure motor vehicle accident injury law firm. We only handle roadway accident cases, and refuse to handle any other legal matter. This focus and experience helps us maximize the money we collect in every case. We have collected over $700 million for NC crash victims, and we have handled many multi-million dollar truck and commercial vehicle accident cases. We also offer a reduced legal fee of 25% for settlements (and most cases settle), and 33% for litigation and trial. With our firm, you keep a larger share of the money we collect when your case closes. We also make the legal process easy for you – once we are involved, you work with doctors to restore your health and we take care of everything else.
More often than not, commercial truck drivers operate their vehicles with care and concern for other motorists. However, due to the large number of trucks and delivery vehicles that share our roadways, commercial truck accidents are quite common throughout NC.
According to research from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the number of truck and bus crashes in the State of North Carolina has hovered between 7,250 to 7,500. Commercial vehicle and truck accidents cause more than 2,500 injuries in The Tar Heel State every year. With large interstate corridors including Interstate 95 along the Eastern Seaboard, Interstate 85 and Interstate 40 running from Wilmington, NC all the way to Santa Monica, CA, it's no wonder that North Carolina sees thousands of truck accidents on a yearly basis.
If you or a family member has been injured in a collision involving a truck, bus, or another commercial vehicle on a North Carolina road, you might be eligible for substantial compensation. Commercial drivers are typically covered by large insurance policies. However, with large amounts of money involved, these insurers employ the best, highest-paid adjsuters who work to minimize your injury claims and settlement money.The experienced team at Nagle & Associates is prepared to assist you in pursuing justice and securing a generous settlement that provides the necessary funds for your recovery and to support your loved ones.
Trucking accidents in North Carolina are almost never “black and white.” They often involve application of all North Carolina traffic laws alongside a body of complex federal regulations. Victims must be prepared to offer evidence to prove all violations of state laws and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that govern truck drivers and other commercial vehicle operators. That's why it's so crucial to have legal representation from a lawyer with substantial experience in commercial vehicle accident cases. An aggressive, experienced truck accident lawyer has your best interests at heart and can help you avoid common pitfalls after your truck wreck happens.
And make no mistake, wrecks involving trucks can happen in the blink of an eye. You chose a finer dining option like highest-rated fine dining True Blue Butcher and Table in Wilmington, NC. Before you can get to your exit, a fatigued tractor-trailer driver crashes into your car and changes your life forever. It sounds hyperbolic, but these traumatic accidents do happen, and usually when you least expect them to.
In the event of a crash caused by a tractor-trailer driver or any other commercial vehicle operator, it's important NOT to collaborate with the driver's legal team or trust insurance adjusters who are working against your interests. Former claims adjuster Carl Nagle warns you to “remember that the insurance adjuster is being paid to oppose your claims, and you should not cooperate with their effort to avoid or minimize your injury claim payments”. Instead, seek representation from a seasoned North Carolina truck accident attorney who has a proven track record of success.
We represent victims, just like you, who have been injured by commercial trucks, including:
Have you been in a recent accident, and you're trying to figure out what to do next? Are you unsure whether you've been hit by a commercial vehicle or some other type of automobile? Contact Nagle & Associates today. During your free consultation, we'll help answer your questions and provide clarity during this admittedly confusing time.
Nagle & Associates is a law firm that focuses exclusively in roadway accident cases. Carl Nagle and our legal team have collected millions of dollars in tax-free compensation for NC truck accident victims. With extensive experience in handling these intricate, high-value cases, we know how to motivate the claims adjuster to offer the highest settlement in every case. And if the adjuster refuses to offer fair compensation, we will take your case to trial before a jury of your neighbors in the Superior Court of county in Wilmington, NC. Here are just a few ways that our NC truck accident law firm differentiates itself from others and helps you obtain maximum compensation when your case concludes.
Nagle & Associates isn't like other truck accident law firms, and that's by design. We don't advertise on the radio, over the phone, or on billboards. Instead, we focus those resources on benefitting our clients by providing caring yet highly effective legal services for every truck accident victim we represent. We also have a better fee structure than most other law firms focusing on commercial vehicle crashes.
Our lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don't get paid until the case is settled or your trial is complete. We are paid only IF AND WHEN you are paid. Most cases settle without the need for lawsuit filings or court involvement. This fee structure motivates us to push hard to collect the highest possible value for your injury claims. The more we collect for you, the higher the fee. Our goal is to increase the amount we collect for you so that you end up with far more money in hand when the case closes, even after the legal fee is deducted. The contingency fee is win/win for the lawyer and client. We handle everything and work to pay our own fee AND improve what you collect.
Whether your case is settled, or we go to court, you can also rely on a lower fee overall. Most personal injury law firms charge 1/3 of the settlement (33.3%) and 40-44% of any amount collected after a suit is filed. Our firm charges 1/4 of the settlement (25%) and 1/3 (33.3%) of any amount collected after a suit is filed. We only file suit in cases where the insurer refuses fair payment, knowing that litigation will increase the amount of money our client receives.
Carl has extensive experience in the insurance industry, having worked as an insurance adjuster and insurance defense lawyer in Atlanta, Georgia. He worked for several large commercial insurance carriers, and was paid to defend truck drivers, trucking companies, business owners, and their insurance carriers. Carl built on that experience and, for the last 30 years, has been a truck accident attorney in Wilmington, NC, dedicated to accident victims and their families. He focuses on serious injury cases arising from roadway accidents. As a niche practice with a particular focus on trucking accident cases, Carl and his team know exactly how to gain full control of your legal case and collect the highest possible payment for your truck accident claims.
Trucking companies and businesses employing professional drivers carry high-limit liability insurance, often with a million dollars or more to pay injury claims. Federal law requires high coverage. Many truckers and trucking companies carry large, multi-million dollar excess policies that pay additional money to truck crash victims. They do so because injuries arising from commercial truck crashes are often far more severe than other type of auto injuries. Tractor trailers, dump trucks, cement mixers, and cargo trucks weigh 10-20 times more than typical cars, which increases the risk of severe, permanent injuries. It's not uncommon for truck accident victims to spend days, weeks, or months as they recover in Spring Arbor of Wilmington in Wilmington, NC.
Due to the serious nature of injuries in these crashes and the substantial insurance policies involved, commercial insurance companies hire skilled and experienced adjusters to handle truck accident injury claims. These adjusters are highly trained and receive higher compensation than other adjusters in the insurance industry. Their sole objective is to avoid or minimize valid claims. As your local Wilmington area truck accident lawyer, we take control of the adjuster and all insurance company communications so you don't get duped into admitting partial fault (which ends your case leaving you with zero compensation) or accepting a lowball offer.
However, if you do speak to an adjuster after your truck crash, remember that they'll be amicable and try to gain your trust while making every effort to settle for as little as possible. Never take legal advice from an insurance claims adjuster whose only job is to oppose your claim – no matter how nice and trustworthy they may seem. Diplomacy is their key to earning y our faith, so they can guide you into an unfair, irreversible settlement.
Even though heavy commercial trucks account for less than 5% of all registered vehicles nationwide, the FMCSA reports that over 13% of all fatal crashes on U.S. roads involved at least one large commercial truck or bus. Recent data published by the FMCSA indicates that there were over 273 million registered vehicles in the United States, including more than 13 million large commercial trucks like 18-wheelers. Of the people killed in commercial truck crashes, over 7 in 10 were occupants in other vehicles. While we rely on these multi-ton transporters to keep modern society moving, it's obvious that they can be very dangerous.
Keep reading to learn more about some of the most frequent tractor-trailer accidents we see at Nagle & Associates and why they happen.
The size difference between commercial trucks and regular commuter cars is so massive that standard cars are often crushed in trucking accidents. That holds true for rear-end collisions. Unfortunately, because 18-wheelers take so much more time to slow down and come to a safe stop, truck drivers who are distracted or are speeding are often responsible for horrific injuries.
A truck rollover accident is one of the most devastating and frightening crashes that can occur. Unlike standard passenger cars, tractor-trailers and other large commercial trucks have a much higher center of gravity. That's why experienced truck drivers have to navigate tight turns and sudden swerves with extreme caution. If drivers attempt sudden turns or drive too fast for the conditions around them, the truck and trailer can flip over, causing the entire truck to roll onto its side. This creates a perilous and potentially fatal situation for everyone on the road. For example, an overloaded trailer leaving Bellamy Mansion Museum in Wilmington, NC, may sway side-to-side as it takes a turn, and roll over onto a driver in the next lane. While this seems unlikely, rollover crashes occur frequently on North Carolina streets and highways.
Jackknife crashes happen when large trucks with hinged connections between the front and rear parts make incorrect turns or braking moves, causing the trailer to swing out widely and resemble a folding jackknife. This type of accident is extremely dangerous due to the unpredictable behavior of a sliding trailer, which can hit nearby vehicles and drag them along as the truck plows through traffic.
When truck operators drive recklessly, negligently, or simply lose control of their vehicles, they may veer out of their lane and into oncoming traffic. Head-on collisions can also occur at intersections, such as red lights or stop signs, when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way properly. There are many reasons why a truck might collide head-on with another vehicle. For instance, the truck driver could become fatigued after long hours of trying to meet demanding quotas and may drift into opposing lanes as they nod off. Regardless of the reason, victims of such accidents should always contact a truck accident attorney in Wilmington, NC, for guidance as they recover and seek compensation.
T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact or broadside crashes, mostly happen at intersections. Big trucks going through intersections at right angles sometimes run red lights, ignore stop signs, or break the rules and end up crashing into the sides of other cars, making a “T” shape. These accidents can be especially traumatic for passengers who are sitting on the side of the car that the truck hits. Truck drivers who are speeding, not paying attention, tired, or drunk might run through intersections and cause T-bone accidents.
Auto accidents can happen to anyone, from locals commuting to their kid's soccer game to visitors traveling to the tourist attraction with the highest rating BurgwinWright House and Gardens in Wilmington, NC. When a large commercial truck is involved, the chances of getting injured are higher than they would be in a normal accident. Typical injuries that victims sustain in trucking-related wrecks include:
If you or someone you love is the victim of one or more of the accidents described above, call Nagle & Associates today. You need a reliable, proactive lawyer to fight for your rights when it seems like nobody has your back. Remember, though – time is of the essence. The truck driver's insurance company will begin working immediately to build defenses and minimize your compensation. With no up front cost, you can retain us to begin working on your behalf today. Also, acting quickly ensures that your rights are not forfeited. North Carolina applies a statute of limitations for personal injury suits against truck drivers. If you fail to file suit before the dealine passes, you lose all rights to compensation for your truck accident injury case.
If you're hurt from a truck accident, it makes sense that you'd want a capable, fearless lawyer by your side. But how are you supposed to know which law firms are worth your time?
Similarly, not every truck accident lawyer who graduates from law school is a top attorney. When you're in search of representation for a truck accident case, it's important to find an attorney with a specific combination of skills that are well-suited to effectively handle the intricacies of your case.
Truck accidents are quite different from regular car accidents, primarily because of the substantial size and weight of commercial trucks. These factors often lead to more serious injuries and damages. Moreover, truck accident cases can involve many different parties, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, the shippers who employed the trucking company, cargo handlers who load cargo, insurance companies, and possibly those who repair and maintain the truck or the manufacturers of defective truck parts. An experienced commercial vehicle crash lawyer will know how to identify all responsible parties and all applicable insurance policies. The laws and regulations governing commercial trucks are also more intricate, including complex Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and all state statutes and traffic laws that govern commercial drivers. Federal regulations govern driver qualification, driver training, truck inspections, equipment and weight limitations, driver conduct, driver fatigue and hours-in-service regulations, and driver crash response requirements. All of these factors should be considered in every commercial vehicle accident case.
As noted above, truck accident cases involve application of a mix of federal and state regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes rules that trucking companies and drivers must adhere to, including limits on driving hours and required rest periods. North Carolina also has its own set of laws concerning commercial trucks. An attorney who is well-versed in both federal and state regulations will be better able to pinpoint any violations that might have contributed to the accident. This can be a critical factor in proving liability and obtaining compensation for your injuries. A legal case arising from a crash caused by a commercial vehicle driver is entirely different than a typical car accident case. The claims adjuster who considers what to pay you will know if your lawyer has the experience necessary to win your case in court.
Overseeing a truck accident case requires accessibility to unique resources. Your lawyer should have connections to a team of experts who can offer valuable insights and testimony, including accident reconstruction experts, doctors/surgeons and other medical professionals, and trucking industry insiders. Having these connections can assist in determining the cause of the accident and the severity of your injuries, which is crucial for constructing a solid case. Great truck accident lawyers – like those from Nagle & Associates – will also be capable of conducting thorough investigations, gathering evidence, and successfully challenging large trucking companies and their insurance carriers.
Truck accident cases are typically resolved through out-of-court settlements by negotiating with insurance companies. That's why it's absolutely crucial to choose an attorney with a proven track record in tough negotiations. A skilled truck accident attorney in Wilmington, NC, won't have any issue negotiating with stubborn insurance adjusters who want to minimize the compensation you need to recover. And if a fair settlement can't be reached, we stand ready to take your case to court and passionately enforce your rights in front of a judge and jury.
The aftermath of a truck accident can be extremely challenging and distressing. You need an attorney who not only has a strong grasp of the legal aspects of your case but also genuinely cares about your well-being. A dedicated attorney who is genuinely concerned about your recovery and future will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve. This includes compensation for:
When you want a quality meal in a stunning atmosphere, you don't go to your local fast-food joint. You chose a finer dining option like highest-rated fine dining True Blue Butcher and Table in Wilmington, NC. When you need a fearless advocate to fight for your rights after a trucking accident, you don't settle for a poorly rated law firm. You choose Nagle & Associates.
By identifying the root cause of your tractor-trailer accident, our dedicated attorneys can build a compelling case to hold all responsible parties accountable and get you the compensation you deserve. Whether it involves proving negligence, demonstrating violations of safety regulations, or confronting the adjusters and lawyers who oppose your case, we leverage our extensive experience to advocate on your behalf and help you obtain the compensation you need to move forward with your life. We also charge 25% less than other truck accident lawyers – we co this because we can. We have been very successful handling serious injury cases, and we are able to charge a lower percentage fee for the clients who choose us. Keep more of your money, and know that we will fight for every dollar you deserve. Please contact our law offices today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward recovery.
Wilmington StarNews...
Wilmington StarNews
We've reached the final leg of the fall sports season as teams across the Wilmington area gear up for crucial conference matchups before the playoffs start later in October for most sports.
Starting out this edition of the Anderson Air StarNews Athlete of the Week Poll, Wilmington Christian's Aiden McDonough scored five goals in two Patriots wins last week. The sophomore leads all area scorers this fall, finding the back of the net 30 times through 15 games.
Keeping things on the soccer field, Hoggard defender Johnny Morrello scored two goals in the Viking's 9-0 win over West Brunswick on Thursday. The senior's first goal of the match came from just outside the box and flew into the top left-hand corner of the net.
Finally, in cross country, Ashley's Dylan Park took home his first 5K win of the season as he bested the Mideastern Conference field in Leland Thursday with a time of 16 minutes, 47 seconds.
StarNews Athlete of the Week nominations come from our top performers list, which is published and updated weekly. Voting for this poll will end at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday. Vote as many times as you like through the poll below.
WHO WON FRIDAY?Wilmington-area high school football Week 7 roundup: Who won Friday?
SCREAMING EAGLES'An amazing feeling': Ashley football's undying grit pushes Screaming Eagles past New Hanover
The family decided to make the trip, knowing their daughter was without much access to water or power.More VideosASHEVILLE, N.C. — As hundreds of families struggle to contact their loved ones after Hurricane Helene, one family made th...
The family decided to make the trip, knowing their daughter was without much access to water or power.
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — As hundreds of families struggle to contact their loved ones after Hurricane Helene, one family made the trek into Asheville to help their daughter.
The catch: they would be traveling from the coastal town of Wilmington -- 331 miles away, on the other side of the state. Without traffic, the drive takes about five hours and 23 minutes.
"I just went through Charlotte and all the digital signs are showing that all western North Carolina roadways are closed," Leah Bradford said in a TikTok documenting the journey. "But we need to get her."
Bradford says the family was supposed to help her stepdaughter move out of her Asheville apartment to a new home in Raleigh that weekend, but the storm made that impossible.
They decided to make the trip anyway, knowing their daughter was without much access to water or power.
@watersedgeintuitive#helene #ashevillenc #ashevillenctravel
♬ original sound - Leah
"It was really kind of surreal," Bradford says. "We just were determined to get there to her, because without her having cellular service and not being able to contact her, it was a little unnerving."
Though her stepdaughter's apartment remained intact, Bradford recounted the devastation around Asheville.
"Oh my gosh. It was horrible," Bradford said. "There was an RV park that was completely underwater. It was just just nothing but water. It was just devastating."
Her stepdaughter is safe and with family in Raleigh, but she knows other families aren't as lucky.
"My heart just goes out to them, because the unknown is just terrible," Bradford said. "You just don't know, and your mind goes so many places."
Tiktoks that Bradford has made documenting the journey have gained nearly 300,000 views as of Wednesday evening. She's now encouraging people to donate. You can find a comprehensive list of ways to help here.
Contact Julie Kay at [email protected] and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Happy Riverfest weekend, everyone.The area's biggest fall festival is all about getting out and doing things in downtown Wilmington, whether it's wandering the streets with the masses or finding a concert or performance that intrigues you. Plenty of stuff to check out this weekend outside of downtown as well, so let's get things started.If you want to look a bit further ahead, check out ...
Happy Riverfest weekend, everyone.
The area's biggest fall festival is all about getting out and doing things in downtown Wilmington, whether it's wandering the streets with the masses or finding a concert or performance that intrigues you. Plenty of stuff to check out this weekend outside of downtown as well, so let's get things started.
If you want to look a bit further ahead, check out our list of 25 Wilmington-area fall festivals for 2024 and 55 fall concerts you need to know about. To plan things out beyond this weekend, check the links below.
Top tunes:From rock and jam to jazz and classical, 55 great concerts to see in Wilmington this fall
Autumn fun:Celebrate fall in Wilmington with these 25 can't-miss festivals
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Oct. 5-6 in downtown Wilmington: Wilmington's biggest annual fall festival since its founding in 1979, Riverfest features a slam-packed street fair with food booths and vendors, along with children's entertainment, live music and a car show. New this year: Instead of the traditional fireworks, Riverfest will present the first ever "Open Sky Drone Show" in North Carolina. Details at WilmingtonRiverfest.com.
A Riverfest runs through it:Downtown Wilmington festival looks back on 45 years
Oct. 4-6at Thalian Hall: Thalian Association Community Theatre presents the musical based on Mel Brooks' classic 1974 comic horror comedy. Read our review. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4-5, 2 p.m. Sept. 29 and Oct. 6. 910-632-2285.
Theater review:Thalian Association's 'Young Frankenstein' gets October started on a supremely silly note
Oct. 3-6, Mainstage Theatre in UNCW's Cultural Arts Building: The University of North Carolina Wilmington's Department of Theatre presents this play by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, a finalist for the 2018 Pulitzer Prize in Drama. It's a modern adaptation of "Everyman," a 15th-century British morality play. UNCW theater professor Elizabeth Wellman directs. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 3-5, 2 p.m. Oct. 6. Tickets are $15; $12 for seniors, UNCW employees and alumni; and $6 for students (sales tax included). 910-962-3500.
Oct. 4-5at Dead Crow Comedy Room: Stand-up comic and actor has an extensive resume that includes multiple appearances on "The Tonight Show" and performances at comedy festivals around the world. Thune's a down-to-earth yet absurdist comic who likes to bring original comedy songs into his act. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Oct. 4-5, tickets are $18 and $28.
Oct. 4-6 at Thalian Hall (studio theater): Wilmington comedy troupe Pineapple-Shaped Lamps presents the third installment of its occasional series of original horror-comedy sketches. Full title, appropriately enough, is "Laughing in the Dark: Origins: Resurrections: The Final Chapter: The New Blood: Season of the Witch." First staged in 2016, then again in 2019, the sketches send up all manner of pop-culture horror tropes, and a few Wilmington references usually manage to worm their ways in as well. 7:30 p.m Oct. 4-5, 3 p.m. Oct. 6. 910-632-2285.
Oct. 4 at DREAMS Garage: Fundraiser for Wilmington nonprofit DREAMS Center for Arts Education takes the form of a Low Country shrimp boil, with live music by Raleigh band Quentin Talley & The Soul Providers and Wilmington DJ Bigg B. Proceeds go to support DREAMS' mission of providing equitable access to arts education for area youth and teenagers. 6-9 p.m. Oct. 4 at DREAMS, 901 Fanning St. Single tickets start at $60, available in advance and at the door.
Oct. 5 at Wrightsville Beach Park: Celebration of canines and canine agility has been happening annually at Wrightsville Beach Park for three decades now. The public can watch or enter their dogs in the disc-catching contest, no prior experience needed. If your dog's not athletic, there are also prizes for best personality and best dressed, along with best-dressed team. 11 a.m. Oct. 5. Free to attend.
Oct. 5 at Carolina Beach Lake Park: Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce presents this fourth annual family-friendly celebration of pets, their owners, and pet-friendly businesses. Pets in the Park will feature live music, an "ask the vet" booth, food trucks, face-painting, pet costume and trick contests, giveaways and a mimosa and beer garden. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 5. Admission is $5, free for kids under 10.
Oct. 5 in Belville Riverwalk Park: Event features vendors, games, food trucks, family activities and more. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 5, free.
Oct. 5 at Halyburton Park: Educational, family-friendly festival is dedicated to raising awareness about controlled burns in the longleaf pine ecosystem. Features activities for kids (crafts, games and more), fire equipment on display, hayrides, educational exhibits, live tunes from the Folkstone String Band, food trucks, juggling demos, raptor shows and, for the festival's grand finale, a live controlled burn demo. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 5, free.
Oct. 5 at CFCC Wilson Center: Retiring WSO conductor Steven Errante will lead the first concert of his final season, his 39th with the orchestra. On the bill is Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 5 and Beethoven's Symphony No. 7. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5, 910-362-7999.
Bittersweet symphony:After 39 years, Wilmington's conductor to retire
Oct. 5 at Bourgie Nights: Billed as an intimate "evening with" the former guitarist and singer of North Carolina pop/rock icons The Connells. 8 p.m. doors, 9 p.m. show Oct. 5. Advance tickets start at $20.
Oct. 5 at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: Multi-artist bill including rapper Chubb Rock, DJ Bigg B, Mike Lang and others in a concert featuring a range of musical styles. 6 p.m. Oct. 5, tickets start at $35.
Oct. 5 at The Palm Room: Wilmington electronic duo made up of a DJ and a classically trained violinist will get the crowd dancing at this Wrightsville Beach venue. 10 p.m. Oct. 5, cover at the door.
Oct. 6at Beckwith Recital Hall: Chamber Music Wilmington presents this innovative five-piece group with an uncommon instrumentation: clarinet, alto sax, bassoon, bass clarinet and oboe. Playing work by Nina Simone and other composers. 4 p.m. Oct. 6, tickets are $19 and $39.
Oct. 6 at The Sandspur: Wilmington rock act that includes Ben Moore and Chad Troutman has a big, driving sound and pithy lyrics about spam callers and other undesirables. The Other Men play several songs by Troutman's former band, iconic Wilmington indie-rockers Glow in the Dark Scars. With The Temp Agency. 3 p.m. Oct. 6, free.
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Workers from the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) are striking outside of the Port of Wilmington making demands for better pay.At midnight on Oct. 1, workers from the ILA began their strike with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). The contract between the two parties expired and union workers say they have new demands that need to be ...
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Workers from the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) are striking outside of the Port of Wilmington making demands for better pay.
At midnight on Oct. 1, workers from the ILA began their strike with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). The contract between the two parties expired and union workers say they have new demands that need to be met.
Workers with the ILA across the country say their pay hasn’t been raised for years, although the price of everything else has. They are demanding better wages, fair rights, and job security.
“It takes money to live,” said Gregory Washington, president of ILA Local 1426. “Everybody else is steadily moving forward and we’re creeping.”
Washington says for years workers have been told they will get better contracts, but nothing has changed.
”We have been waiting and waiting and waiting and our president says the time is now,” said Washington.
However, union workers say it’s not just about the pay, they fear that artificial intelligence and automated machines will replace their jobs.
“We’re out here fighting for our jobs, we’re here because automation has taken over everything,” said Washington.
Charles Seaton, the president of another ILA local chapter, echoes Washington.
“They want to automate these jobs, get rid of us, maybe not right away, but in a long-term fashion, and we have to save these jobs for Americans and our families,” said Seaton.
Washington says as technology evolves, workers want to be a part of that technology.
“We say train us to do the things that you have to do to keep those machines running. So if you want to replace us with machines give us jobs where we can keep them running,” Washington added.
The two sides remain far apart as the union rejected an offer Monday from the United States Maritime Alliance that reportedly included a 50% wage hike over the next six years.
Washington says union workers also want to be compensated for the work they did during COVID. Washington claims workers are questioning if they are valued by USMX.
“We had over 100 people die during COVID while we were out there on those ships and people were at home sitting in their living room doing their work from home, so we want something for it,” Washington says.
Depending on how long the strike lasts, it could impact the economy and make things harder for people trying to recover from storm damage.
Executive director at the state port, Brian Clark, says the port doesn’t have a hand in the negotiations, but it hopes the two parties can come to an agreement sooner rather than later.
“From our standpoint, we would like to see both parties back at the table. I think it’s very important that they continue negotiations reach an agreement, and that’ll allow all the ports on the East Coast and the Gulf Coast to reopen to full operations,” said Clark.
Clark also provided the following statement Tuesday morning:
“The Master Contract between the International Longshoreman’s Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) has expired and there is a work stoppage at ports along the U.S. East and Gulf coasts. The Master Contract is an agreement between the ILA and the carriers and direct employers that make up the USMX. North Carolina Ports is not a party to the agreement and therefore is not a participant in the negotiations. North Carolina Ports is hopeful that both parties will return to the negotiating table and reach an agreement that allows all the ports of the East and Gulf Coast to resume operations.
North Carolina Ports is recognizing the work stoppage and has developed the following contingency plan. North Carolina Ports employees working in areas affected by the strike will be temporarily reassigned to other areas as needed.
The Port of Wilmington’s South (Container) Gate is closed for the pickup or delivery of cargo until an agreement is reached. No container vessel operations will be conducted until further notice. No intermodal rail cargo will be worked on or off of the rail at the Port of Wilmington. The Charlotte Inland Port is operating as normal. NC Ports extended its South (container) Gate hours over the weekend in an effort to help customers and port users prior to the work stoppage.
For general cargo operations, the Port of Wilmington’s North Gate and the Port of Morehead City will be operating on a normal schedule. Tenant operations and general cargo yard operations will continue as normal in both ports. No general cargo vessel operations will be conducted until further notice.”
Washington told WECT that ILA union staff have a good relationship with the ILA and they hope to maintain it for the future.
Copyright 2024 WECT. All rights reserved.
“Profit over people is unacceptable, support ILA workers,” read multiple signs Tuesday at the Port of Wilmington as longshoremen and other workers gathered to strike.The Master Contract between the International Longshoreman’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance expired, and both parties have not reached a new agreement. Longshoremen across the East Coast and Gulf Coast are fighting for higher pay and fair treatment and at Wilmington’s port the situation is no different.Jus...
“Profit over people is unacceptable, support ILA workers,” read multiple signs Tuesday at the Port of Wilmington as longshoremen and other workers gathered to strike.
The Master Contract between the International Longshoreman’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance expired, and both parties have not reached a new agreement. Longshoremen across the East Coast and Gulf Coast are fighting for higher pay and fair treatment and at Wilmington’s port the situation is no different.
Just days after Helene left widespread devastation in western North Carolina, U.S. Rep. David Rouzer, whose district includes the Port of Wilmington, posted on X that the strike could cripple response and recovery efforts, as well as have disastrous effects on the local economy.
According to USA TODAY, each day of the strikes across the East and Gulf coasts could cost the U.S. economy up to $5 billion as imports and exports are blocked, some economists estimated.
The strike began Tuesday, and the Port of Wilmington has developed a contingency plan to recognize the strike. The port’s South Container Gate will remain closed for pickup or delivery of cargo until an agreement is reached, according to North Carolina Ports.
The North Carolina Ports is not a party to the agreement and therefore is not a participant in the negotiations.
“North Carolina Ports is hopeful that both parties will return to the negotiating table and reach an agreement that allows all the ports of the East and Gulf Coast to resume operations,” the statement said.
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According to USA TODAY, Wilmington is just one of the 36 ports that has shut down as 45,000 union workers walked off the job.
The state-run Port of Wilmington is the largest and busiest of the two deepwater ports in North Carolina, the other being in Morehead City. Container traffic makes up a big chunk of the local port’s business, with the U.S. Department of Transportation ranking Wilmington the 21st busiest container port in the country.
Sandwiched between the much bigger ports of Norfolk, Virginia, to the north and Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia, to the south, officials with the Wilmington port have aggressively marketed the local port as offering a faster, congestion-free alternative to its larger competitors.
The 284-acre port also has invested significant sums to improve its landside infrastructure to keep up with its neighboring ports and the increased size of the container ships now plying the East Coast. That includes improved berthing areas, additional intermodal rail access to get trucks off local roads and bridges, including the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, and a new gate complex to make accessing the port faster and easier.According to an economic impact study by the N.C. Department of Transportation and N.C. State University, port activities statewide contribute $660 million annually in state and local tax revenues and help support more than 88,200 jobs.
Imports will be affected providing less product, cars, auto and machinery parts, clothing, pharmaceuticals, wine and spirits, holiday goods like toys and seafood, according to USA TODAY. The shutdowns come just days after hurricane Helene caused widespread destruction to Western North Carolina.
Charles Seaton, president of the Local 1766 clerical union for the port, said he wishes the contract would be settled because he knows the impacts that the shutdowns will have.
“I hate that it’s impacting the country, but at the end of the day, this is a fight for American jobs,” Seaton said.
During the pandemic, Seaton said the workers at the port “never missed a lick. ... We went to work every day, every night, 24/7,” and that he’s ready for everyone to be compensated the way they deserve.
Seaton, who has been working for the port for over 50 years, was at the port during the last strike in 1977. He said it lasted 103 days over 80 cents. But he said the economy now isn’t like it was back then as it’s much more dependent upon containerization. Seaton said America works on a one-week or two-week inventory, so this is something that needs to be figured out soon.
He said the port authority has been helpful and has been working to recognize the strike, providing portable bathrooms and closing the container gate, but that he hopes that the contract will be sorted out and the hard work of his colleagues will be recognized.
One longshoreman said that during the pandemic, he and his coworkers were in harm’s way handling imports from across the world, but their pay still wasn’t raised. He said that needs to change. He also said that prices keep increasing to ship containers, but even though they are working to unload, they haven’t gotten the increase in pay.
According to CNBC, the ILA is seeking a 61.5% increase over six years. It also wants protections against automation.
“They (USMX) don’t care about us,” said ILA President Harold Daggett in an online post Monday. “They would love to see automation up and down the whole East and Gulf Coast, trust me when I tell you that if it was up to them, we would have no jobs.”
StarNews reporter Gareth McGrath contributed to this story.
