ILA & USMX to Sign 6-Year Master Contract Today

March 11, 2025 | The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) are set to formally sign their six-year master contract agreement today, March 11. The agreement, which was overwhelmingly ratified by 99 percent of ILA members working at Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports, will retroactively take effect on October 1, 2024, and remain in place through September 30, 2030.

The Toy Association™ supported the resolution of this dispute and the ILA President Harold Daggett described the contract as the "gold standard" for dockworker unions worldwide, citing significant gains for workers. Key provisions of the agreement include a 62 percent wage increase, accelerated raises for new workers, full protection against automation, enhanced retirement contributions, and a strengthened health care plan. Additionally, container royalty funds will be fully returned to the ILA, plus the resolution of vacation and holiday time off concerns.

The labor contract originally expired on September 30 last year and was extended until January 15 following a three-day strike in October. The two sides resumed formal negotiations on January 7 and agreed to a temporary six-year master contract on January 9. The ILA Wage Scale Committee voted to unanimously approve the contract on February 7, and the full ILA membership voted to ratify the contract on February 25.

Click here to read the full statement from the ILA regarding its rank-and-file member vote on the master contract.