The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have reached tentative agreement on a six-year contract covering East Coast and Gulf Coast ports.
The new contract would take effect after the current one expires on September 30, 2018.
“We have reached a tentative agreement on a six-year Master contract that is beneficial to both sides,” Harold J. Daggett, ILA President and David F. Adam, Chairman of USMX, said.
Some 200 ILA Wage Scale delegates unanimously approved the terms of the new agreement, following two-days of Master Contract negotiations in Delray Beach, Florida. The agreement culminates months of tough negotiations between the ILA and USMX. Both sides hailed the agreement that was reached months ahead of the expiration of the current pact.
The two sides have until July 10 to finalize the agreement, which will then be subject to ratification votes by the full membership of each group.
Separately, the National Retail Federation (NRF) welcomed the agreement.
“This is good news (…) This ensures that we will have stability at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports over the next six years,” Jonathan Gold, NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy, commented.