Join us for this week's episode of The Buzz, as we dive deep into the recent developments in labor negotiations affecting U.S. ports, specifically the tentative agreement between the ILA and USMX, which has temporarily averted a significant strike.Hosts Scott Luton and Billy Ray Taylor welcome special guest Jon Gold, VP, Supply Chain and Customs Policy for the National Retail Federation (NRF) to the show, and discuss the implications of this agreement, including a 62% wage increase over six years and the critical topic of automation that could become a sticking point in future negotiations. Listen in as the conversation continues and covers:The need for continuous learning to retain talent and adapt to changes in the manufacturing workforceCybersecurity Awareness Month, highlighting the critical importance of protecting supply chains from increasing cyber threatsThe upcoming NRF 2025 conference and key themes like AI's role in supply chain management and strategies for diversifying operations outside of China that will be focused onThe significance of engaging younger generations in manufacturing through educational tours and programs to foster interest in the industryJoin us for this episode, and gain insights into current market dynamics and the strategies that can help navigate the complexities of supply chain management in today's rapidly changing environment.Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Jon:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-gold-1217012/Learn more about NRF: https://nrf.comMost Recent With That Said: https://bit.ly/3BKy6DBTFEST Supply Chain Transformation Summit 2024: https://bit.ly/4gUCmAOAmerican Aid Logistics Network: https://www.alanaid.org/Dockworkers’ union suspends strike until Jan. 15 to allow time to negotiate new contract: https://bit.ly/3XTgrkBNRF '25 Retail's Big Show: https://nrfbigshow.nrf.com/Layoffs mount amid low manufacturing demand: September PMI- https://bit.ly/3zKia3PManufacturing Day Message: https://bit.ly/3XUNMf5AME Atlanta 2024: https://bit.ly/46etFMKBilly Ray's book The Winning Link: https://bit.ly/3XUE5gHConnect with the Supply Chain Now community & programming: https://linktr.ee/SupplychainnowNRF Statement on Port Strike Suspension - https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/nrf-reacts-port-strike-suspensionLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- End-to-End Excellence: Integrating Final Mile Logistics: https://bit.ly/3ZlpE7UWEBINAR- AI for SMBs: Unlocking Growth with Netstock's Benchmark Report: https://bit.ly/3AWtoCDWEBINAR- Pedaling to Profit: Trek’s Direct-to-Consumer Shipping Success Story: https://bit.ly/4gWMIzUWEBINAR- The ABCs of Cargo Security and Loss Prevention: https://bit.ly/3zAirpTWEBINAR- Supply Chain in 2025: Top 5 Labeling and Packaging Artwork Trends to Watch: https://bit.ly/3Y9FWiZWEBINAR- Future-Proof Your Logistics: AI-Powered Solutions for Competitive Edge: https://bit.ly/3BouB5EThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Billy Ray Taylor and produced by Amanda Luton and Trisha Cordes. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/supply-chain-buzz-labor-talks-manufacturing-challenges-1336