Longshore workers in Washington State backed a bill that would permanently block state money from funding port automation, citing job losses at Seattle and Tacoma, reports London's S&P Global.

The measure, introduced earlier this month, allows state funds for zero-emission cargo equipment but bans purchases of fully automated container handling systems. It follows 2021 legislation with a 2031 expiry, but the new bill has no sunset clause. State senator Jesse Salomon said the aim is to ensure human labour remains valued.

ILWU Washington Area District Council president Dan McKisson, representing 5,000 dockers, said marine terminals are controlled by international firms and private equity and do not need taxpayer money for automation. He argued such funding benefits companies, not ports, workers or communities.

Seattle and Tacoma ports have long used optical character readers and remote speaker boxes at gates, reducing clerical jobs. ILWU Local 52 president Kesa Sten said computerised auto gates mean one person can now do the work of five, creating efficiency but eroding jobs.

Ms Sten added that automation shifts labour costs along the supply chain and can cause inefficiencies, such as processing damaged containers. She said workers welcome advances that enhance jobs but oppose those that eliminate them.