US East and Gulf Coast Dockworkers Ratify Six-Year Agreement With US Maritime Alliance
US dockworkers approve 6-year contract, averting a strike
On Tuesday, Members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) approved a six-year contract agreement that was negotiated in January with the US Maritime Alliance (MLA), averting a strike that would have shutdown docks along the US East and Gulf coasts, The Associated Press reported (2-25-25).
The MLA approved the contract last month, and on Tuesday rank-and-file members of the ILA voted for it with nearly 99% in favor, the union said in a statement.
The contract calls for a 62% pay hike over six years that would lift hourly wages at the top of the union pay scale from $39 an hour to $63 an hour. The new contract gives ports more leeway to introduce modernizing technology. But they have to hire new workers when they do, and full automation is off the table.
The two sides are expected to meet the week of March 10 to sign the agreement, after which it would go into effect.
FEA compiles the Wood Markets News from various 3rd party sources to provide readers with the latest news impacting forest product markets. Opinions or views expressed in these articles do not necessarily represent those of FEA.