ILA, USMX To Re-Engage In Contract Negotiations

ILA, USMX To Re-Engage In Contract Negotiations

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and employers represented by the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) announced on Friday that they will resume negotiations for a new master contract in November.

Earlier this month, the union sent 45,000 members to picket lines during a three-day strike that resulted in the shutdown of container and vehicle handling at 36 East and Gulf Coast ports.

The strike concluded after Biden administration officials facilitated an extension of the previous master contract until January 15, 2025. The parties agreed to a 62% pay raise over the six-year term of the new pact, which is contingent on further discussions regarding issues such as the deployment of automation in port operations.

Negotiators will convene in New Jersey to work on a new Master Contract Proposal, which will then be presented to the full ILA Wage Scale Committee for approval and subsequently to ILA longshore workers for ratification.

The ILA and USMX expressed their commitment to reaching a new agreement promptly, stating, “We welcome the opportunity to return to the bargaining table.” They also noted that they will refrain from discussing negotiation details with the media prior to the meetings.