The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) announced late Wednesday that they have reached a tentative agreement on a new master contract, covering ports from Maine to Texas. While the deal awaits ratification by ILA locals and USMX members, it averts a looming port strike and secures labor stability along the U.S. East and Gulf coasts for the next six years.
In separate statements, both parties confirmed that the agreement addresses the contentious issue of port automation and new technologies. Though the draft language of the deal has not been disclosed, a source indicated that marine terminals would have flexibility in implementing new technologies, balanced by commitments to create additional longshore jobs.
Negotiations for the new contract had stalled in November over union concerns about the impact of semi-automated rail-mounted gantry cranes (RMGs) on longshore employment.
“This agreement safeguards current ILA jobs and establishes a framework for adopting technologies that will not only modernize East and Gulf coast ports but also generate new jobs,” the statement said. “The result will be safer, more efficient operations and enhanced capacity to maintain strong supply chains.”
The deal was reached just a week before the Jan. 15 strike deadline, which was set following a three-day strike in October resolved by an agreement on wages.
Until the tentative agreement is ratified, the 45,000 dockworkers at East and Gulf coast ports will continue working under the current contract. Sources suggest strong support from local unions for the contract negotiated by ILA President Harold Daggett and Executive Vice President Dennis Daggett.
The breakthrough came after four days of intense negotiations in Teaneck, New Jersey, focused on crafting a master contract. Discussions addressed the impact of new technologies on longshore jobs, as well as broader issues such as benefits and specific roles like checkers and clerks.
In December, the union sought support from President-elect Donald Trump, who publicly backed their opposition to automation. On Wednesday, the ILA thanked Trump for his “bold stance” in helping prevent a second coastwide strike.
“President Trump showed unwavering support for the ILA and our longshore workers,” Harold Daggett stated. “His strong statement backing our position against automated terminals was heard around the world and played a key role in protecting American jobs.”
Details of the agreement will remain confidential until both sides complete the ratification process.
Source: www.joc.com