US dockworkers, employers reach tentative deal to avert strike
A U.S. dockworkers union reached a tentative deal on a new labor contract with a group of ocean carriers and terminal operators that, if ratified would avoid a shutdown of East and Gulf coast ports next week.
“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,” the International Longshoremen’s Association and U.S. Maritime Alliance said in a joint statement.
The two sides agreed to continue operating under their contract — which was extended after a three-day strike in October shut every major port the eastern and southern coasts of the U.S. — until the union representatives can vote, and USMX members can ratify the terms of the final contract.
A deal would mark the end of a contentious fight between the dockworker union and their employers over how certain technology can be implemented at the ports, which handle roughly half of all U.S. container volumes.
