On Tuesday, U.S. East and Gulf Coast dockworkers ratified a contract reached in January that provides hefty pay raises and staves off potential port disruptions until 2030.
The agreement was ratified by members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), representing some 45,000 workers, and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), which includes the operators of port facilities up and down the coast.
The new contract takes effect from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2030. It raises the hourly base rate for workers to $63 from $39, accelerates wage increases for new ILA workers, strengthens healthcare plans and other benefits, and staves off the use of increased automation at the ports, which was a key point of contention during contract talks.
However, the deal creates a framework for modernizing port safety and operations, according to earlier reports.
ILA and USMX said they will sign the deal on March 11.
