Reports from the ILA, USMX, or major news outlets

ILA and USMX Reach Tentative Six-Year Contract Agreement, Averting Strike by 45,000 Dock Workers Ahead of January 15 Deadline

Jan 9, 2025, 02:18 AM

The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), representing 45,000 dock workers, and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) have reached a tentative agreement on a new six-year contract, averting a potential strike that could have disrupted East and Gulf Coast ports. Announced on January 8, 2025, the agreement comes a week ahead of a January 15 deadline. It ensures the protection of current ILA jobs and establishes a framework for implementing technologies that will create more jobs while modernizing the ports. The deal also addresses concerns over automation, with the agreement allowing for the introduction of technology in a way that supports job creation. The terms of the agreement will not be released until union members have the opportunity to review and approve the final document. The agreement follows a three-day strike in October 2024, which was suspended after a temporary truce that included a 62% pay increase over six years, contingent on resolving automation issues.