One of the major advocacy issues that the ALHWU addresses is that an increasing automation is present.
The maritime operations are also being carried out with the use of the self-operating devices and the developing technologies,
so the traditional jobs of the port workers may disappear in the long term.
Now that robots have managed to become effective and quick at carrying out ship duties,
employers receive the chance to hire significantly fewer people and save funds.
As much as they improve performance, they leave people contemplating on the probable future of the human element in the shipping industry.
Problems That the ALHWU is Presently Experiencing in the Modern Age
Technological power and Automation.
One of the most dramatic problems of the ALHWU nowadays is related to automation and technology enhancement.
The modern shipyards are doing their work by using the cranes, cargo handler robot and high tech tracking devices.
Although these technologies ensure the efficient and safe operation of the tasks, they destroy some jobs,
on which the union has been relying all the time.
When individuals lose the employment that was previously carried out by longshoremen and other employees in ports to machines,
they start worrying about loss of employment.
Since the workers are apprehensive that the job losses and alternative employment will happen to them,
then the union must effectively deal with such matters.
Changing the way in which countries do business with its partners
It is not the end of the complications due to the manner in which trade and economies develop.
The new rules in international shipping, the change of trade agreements and international politics affect the ports that have the most hectic schedule.
As a result of this shift, not all port employees are certain about his or her job, but other ports have rising demands.
The ALHWU has to change and intercede to assist the members that are affected by moving them, retraining them, or advocating new investments in ports.
Securing Job Security Industrial Change
When the maritime industries change to the same level as the competitors, people are more concerned with their employment and the way they are treated.
This has the ability to threaten the employment status of longshoremen when there is a renegotiation of contracts, outsourcing of specific tasks, and reform of labor laws.
The union should be combative and active in this sector so as to protect the interests of its members.
There should be enough safeguards in the contracts against layoffs and unfair treatments in the workplace such that the employees are not fired.