Chicago Port Workers Warn Expansion Could Worsen Safety Concerns

Employees and union advocates cite unsafe equipment, while operator denies allegations as regional study explores expanding port traffic.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 8:23pm

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Chicago port workers are raising concerns that plans to expand cargo traffic at the nation's largest inland port could worsen ongoing safety issues. Employees and union advocates cite unsafe equipment at the Iroquois Landing terminal operated by QSL America, while the company denies the allegations. A regional study is underway to explore expanding port traffic in Chicago and nearby states.

Why it matters

As one of the nation's busiest inland ports, any changes to operations and traffic at the Chicago port could have significant economic and safety implications for the region. The workers' safety concerns highlight the potential risks of expanding port activities without properly addressing equipment and working conditions.

The details

Chicago is home to the nation's largest inland port, and for the past eight months, workers there have been raising concerns about safety on the job. With an announcement to expand waterway traffic, those concerns are intensifying. Employees and union advocates cite unsafe equipment at the Iroquois Landing terminal, operated by QSL America, including severely worn tires, non-functioning brakes, and inadequate lighting on machinery used to lift heavy cargo. QSL America has denied the claims, stating there have been no legal findings of serious OSHA violations.

  • For more than 250 days, picketers have gathered at Iroquois Landing.
  • In November 2025, the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) became the exclusive bargaining representative of the longshore employees working at QSL America's facilities.

The players

QSL America

A private company that operates the terminal at Iroquois Landing under the name North America Stevedoring Co. (NASCO).

International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150

A union that has been organizing the strike line at Iroquois Landing, though it does not formally represent the employees.

International Longshoremen's Association (ILA)

The largest union representing maritime workers in North America, which became the exclusive bargaining representative of the longshore employees working at QSL America's facilities in November 2025.

Alejandro Munoz

A port worker who expresses concerns about the safety of equipment at the Iroquois Landing terminal.

Martin Durkan

The assistant to the president-business manager of IUOE Local 150.

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What they’re saying

“Honestly, I would say between 70–80 percent of the machines that we have here, tires that were severely worn down, brakes that didn't work at all, lighting that was just below standard, machines that have no horns; machines that are used to lift anywhere between 10,000 to 60,000 pounds”

— Alejandro Munoz, Port Worker (Fox32Chicago)

“Even since ILA began representing NASCO's employees, Local 150 has continued its efforts to organize our employees.”

— QSL America (Fox32Chicago)

“The ILA is working diligently to finalize a comprehensive collective bargaining agreement that will establish industry leading wages, benefits, and safety standards for Chicago's longshore workers—an agreement that will benefit the working people of Chicago and the surrounding community.”

— Illinois Longshoremen's Association, Spokesperson (Fox32Chicago)

What’s next

The American Great Lakes Ports Association (AGLPA) has launched a regional study to see where cargo traffic could be increased, with expansion possible at ports in Chicago, Milwaukee, or Indiana.

The takeaway

This case highlights the tension between the desire to expand port operations and the need to ensure the safety of workers. As the Chicago port looks to increase traffic, it will be crucial for the operator and unions to collaborate on addressing longstanding equipment and safety concerns to protect employees and the surrounding community.