The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) late Wednesday said they have reached a tentative agreement on a new master contract that covers ports from Maine to Texas.
While the deal needs approval from ILA locals and USMX members, it avoids another port strike and ensures shippers of labor peace along the US East and Gulf coasts for the next six years.
The ILA and the USMX said in separate statements the agreement includes language that covers the contentious issue of port automation and new technologies. While the draft language of the tentative agreement was not available, one source said that marine terminals will have some leeway in implementing new technologies in return for more longshore jobs.
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. This deal, which requires approval from ILA locals and USMX members, secures labor stability for ports spanning from Maine to Texas for the next six years, averting the threat of a port strike.
Both organizations confirmed in separate statements that the agreement addresses the critical issue of port automation and emerging technologies. Although specific details of the draft agreement remain undisclosed, sources indicate that marine terminals will have flexibility in adopting new technologies in exchange for creating additional longshore jobs.
This development promises continued labor peace along the US East and Gulf coasts, offering reassurance to shippers and other stakeholders.
Source: ILA, USMX reach tentative deal that avoids another port strike | Journal of Commerce