ILA Contract expires in January 2025
Will a new master contract be extended by the deadline?
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) are currently engaged in negotiations to finalize a new Master Contract before the extended deadline of January 15, 2025.
While a tentative agreement on wages was reached in October 2024, other critical issues, notably the extent of port automation, remain unresolved.
President-elect Donald Trump met with the ILA’s President, Harold Daggett, and EVP Dennis Daggett on December 12, 2024, supporting the association on wages.
Source: Truth Social
If a comprehensive agreement is not secured by the deadline, the possibility of a strike looms. Industry observers have expressed concerns about the potential for industrial action, with some suggesting that the situation points toward another strike.
The three-day strike in October 2024 caused major disruptions at East and Gulf Coast ports, impacting the supply chain and economy. A tentative agreement ended the strike, offering a 62% wage increase over six years, raising average hourly pay from $39 to $63.
With the January 15 deadline nearing, both sides must settle key issues to prevent further disruptions. The negotiations’ outcome will decide if port operations remain stable or face another strike.
The International Longshoremen’s Association is North America’s largest union of maritime workers, representing over 85,000 longshoremen on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, Great Lakes, major U.S. rivers, Puerto Rico and Eastern Canada, and the Bahamas.
Website: The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA)
The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the Firm, its clients, or any of its or their respective affiliates. This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal advice.