Port Workers End Strike: Agreement Reached on Wage Negotiations, Set to Resume Work Friday

Port Workers End Strike

Striking members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) will return to work on Friday after reaching a tentative agreement on wages with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), which represents shipping lines, terminal operators, and port authorities.

The deal, announced Thursday evening, includes a $4-per-hour raise for each year over the six-year contract, resulting in a total wage increase of 62% by the contract's end.

The previous contract expired Monday, but the agreement allows for an extension until January 15, ensuring workers resume their duties while final details are negotiated and the contract is ratified by union members.

President Biden praised the deal, emphasizing its significance for dockworkers who played a crucial role during the pandemic. The strike, which began Tuesday, had disrupted containerized imports and exports across the U.S., raising concerns over supply chain issues as the holiday season approaches.

Although the tentative deal is a step forward, it must be ratified by ILA members, and if rejected, the strike could resume. Union leaders had previously expressed dissatisfaction with offers, underscoring the ongoing challenges in labor negotiations amidst significant industry profits during the pandemic.

Port Workers End Strike: Agreement Reached on Wage Negotiations, Set to Resume Work Friday