On December 9, 2024, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) announced a tentative six-year master contract following contentious negotiations. This agreement, which avoids a potential work stoppage on January 15, 2025, outlines all items necessary for the new contract and will remain in effect until ratification votes are scheduled. The ILA plans to hold full wage scale meetings to review the contract, although specific dates have not been announced.
The joint statement emphasized the agreement’s potential to protect existing ILA jobs while introducing technologies aimed at modernizing ports along the East and Gulf coasts, enhancing safety, efficiency, and capacity to support supply chains. The deal is positioned as a beneficial arrangement for both workers and the broader American economy, stating it will facilitate job creation and strengthen the U.S. standing in the global marketplace.
Further details regarding the specifics of the tentative agreement will not be disclosed until ILA and USMX members have the opportunity to review and approve the final contract. This collaborative approach reflects a commitment to transparency and member engagement within both organizations.
