Some 45,000 dockworkers at East and Gulf coast ports are returning to work today after the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) union reached a deal to suspend their strike until Janaury 15, 2025 to provide more time to negotiate a new contract. The ILA and the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents ports and shipping companies, said in a joint statement that they have reached a tentative agreement on wages. Any wage increase, however, would have to be approved by union members as part of the ratification of a final contract.
Talks will now turn to the automation of ports, which the ILA says will lead to fewer jobs, and other remaining sticking points. In a statement, President Biden applauded both sides “for acting patriotically to reopen our ports and ensure the availability of critical supplies for Hurricane Helene recovery and rebuilding.”