After a series of contentious negotiations, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) have announced a tentative agreement on a new six-year master contract for dockworkers at East Coast and Gulf ports. This agreement was reached just in time to avert a potential work stoppage that was set to begin on January 15, 2025.
The deal encompasses all items discussed for the new contract, with both parties agreeing to continue operations under the current contract until a ratification vote can be scheduled. Details of the tentative agreement have not been disclosed publicly, as they are pending review and approval by ILA rank-and-file members and USMX members.
A key aspect of the agreement involves compromises on automation and semi-automation, areas that were central to past disputes. Sources indicate that while full automation has been ruled out, USMX retains the right to introduce technology deemed necessary for port modernization. In return, the ILA is guaranteed specific job roles linked to new equipment installations. This technology and labor integration will continue to be managed through a committee process composed of members from both the union and port management.
The joint statement from ILA and USMX highlighted the agreement’s significance: “We are pleased to announce that ILA and USMX have reached a tentative agreement on a new six-year ILA-USMX Master Contract, subject to ratification, thus averting any work stoppage on January 15, 2025. This agreement protects current ILA jobs and establishes a framework for implementing technologies that will create more jobs while modernizing East and Gulf coasts ports – making them safer and more efficient, and creating the capacity they need to keep our supply chains strong.”
The statement further described the deal as a “win-win,” emphasizing that it supports American consumers and businesses by maintaining the U.S. as a central hub in global trade.
The agreement comes after previous labor tensions, including a strike in October 2024, which underscored the importance of labor peace in maintaining the efficiency of America’s supply chains. With this tentative deal, both sides aim to foster a stable environment for port operations moving forward.
Article generated from corporate media reports.
