The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. (USMX) have reached a tentative agreement on wages, leading to a temporary suspension of a three-day strike. As part of the agreement, both parties will return to the bargaining table to resolve remaining contract issues, extending the Master Contract until January 15, 2025.
Effective immediately, all job actions have ceased, and dockworkers at East and Gulf coast ports have resumed their duties.
This follows disruptions at 36 major ports across the region, from Maine to Texas, after the expiration of the previous contract sparked a walkout earlier this week.
The ILA, representing approximately 45,000 dockworkers, initiated the strike over disputes related to wage increases and automation concerns. While a final contract has yet to be ratified, a person familiar with the negotiations indicated that the wage proposal was revised, increasing the offer from 50% to 62% over a six-year period, reports AP News.
However, this offer remains subject to approval by union members as part of the final contract.
The parties are expected to continue negotiations on non-wage matters, including automation and job security, before the new deadline in mid-January.