ILA & USMX to Resume East & Gulf Coast Port Contract Negotiations in November

October 28, 2024 | The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), the union that represents longshore workers along the East and Gulf Coasts, and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) released a joint statement on October 25 that both parties will resume discussions on a new master contract in November.

The ILA went on a three-day strike starting October 1 when the contract between the union and the USMX expired on September 30 and the two sides had not come to an agreement over wages and automation. On October 4, both sides reached a temporary agreement for a tentative 62 percent wage increase and short-term contract extension to January 15.

The negotiating committees will convene in New Jersey to discuss and finalize the terms of a new Master Contract Proposal. Once agreed upon, this proposal will be presented to the full ILA Wage Scale Committee for approval and subsequently to the ILA Longshore workers for ratification.

The Toy Association continues to remain active in coalition activities and stay engaged with the situation to keep members updated with any developments.