The two sides agreed to continue to operate under the current contract until the union can meet with its full Wage Scale Committee and schedule a ratification vote, and USMX members can ratify the terms of the final contract.
The International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have reached a tentative pact on all items for a new six-year master contract.
The two sides agreed to continue to operate under the current contract until the union can meet with its full Wage Scale Committee and schedule a ratification vote, and USMX members can ratify the terms of the final contract.
“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 two sides said in a joint statement.
“This agreement protects current ILA jobs and establishes a framework for implementing technologies that will create more jobs while modernising East and Gulf coast ports—making them safer and more efficient, and creating the capacity they need to keep our supply chains strong,” the statement said.
“This is a win-win agreement that creates ILA jobs, supports American consumers and businesses, and keeps the American economy the key hub of the global marketplace,” it added.
“I applaud the dockworkers’ union for delivering a strong contract. Their members kept our ports open during the pandemic, as we worked together to unsnarl global supply chains. Thank you to the carriers and port operators who play an essential role in our nation’s economy,” President Joe Biden said in a statement.
“Providing certainty with a new contract and avoiding further disruptions is paramount to ensure retail goods arrive in a timely manner for consumers. The agreement will also pave the way for much-needed modernisation efforts, which are essential for future growth at these ports and the overall resiliency of our nation’s supply chain,” National Retail Federation (NRF) vice president of supply chain and customs policy Jonathan Gold said in a statement.
In December, NRF had sent a letter signed by more than 260 groups to the parties urging them to return to the negotiation table.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
