Longshoremen ratify 6-year contract with USMX

International Longshoremen’s Association members at East and Gulf coast ports on Feb. 25 ratified a six-year master contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX).

The contract, which includes wage increases and protections against automation, will expire Sept. 30, 2030, ILA officials said in a press release.

The ILA stayed unified throughout the bargaining process, including during the Oct. 1-3, 2024, strike, said ILA President Harold Daggett, who served as the union’s chief negotiator.

The new ILA-USMX master contract includes a 62% wage increase, full protections against automation, full container royalty funds returned to the ILA, raises in contributions to money purchase plans, a stronger health care plan, and a resolution to ongoing holiday and vacation discussions. The contract is retroactive to Oct. 1, 2024, the ILA said.

A tentative agreement on the contract was announced Jan. 8. The ILA and USMX will formally sign the contract on March 11.