The United States Maritime Alliance announced on Wednesday that a tentative agreement has been reached on a new six-year master contract with the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). The USMX, representing ship lines and port and terminal operators, and the ILA, a union with 50,000 members across 14 port authorities from Maine to Texas, jointly confirmed the agreement. However, the deal is subject to ratification by the union’s membership.
Without this agreement, port workers were scheduled to go on strike on January 16. The joint statement released by both parties expressed satisfaction with the tentative agreement, highlighting its focus on protecting current ILA jobs and introducing technologies to create more jobs, enhance safety, efficiency, and capacity at East and Gulf coast ports.
The agreement is described as a win-win for all parties involved, emphasizing the creation of ILA jobs, support for American consumers and businesses, and the maintenance of the American economy as a key global marketplace hub.
Earlier negotiations in October resolved wage issues, following a three-day strike. This led to a resumption of work and further discussions on the remaining contract terms. Negotiators reconvened on Tuesday after a hiatus since mid-November, ultimately reaching an agreement on all outstanding items, including the contentious topic of automation, which the union believed could lead to job losses.
