New Era of Stability: Landmark ILA-USMX Agreement Ensures Six Years of Harmony for East and Gulf Coast Ports

Officials from the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) convened in North Bergen, New Jersey, on Tuesday to officially endorse a significant six-year master contract. This agreement promises remarkable benefits for dockworkers and aims to maintain labour stability at key U.S. East and Gulf coast ports until September 2030.

The historic contract,which garnered nearly unanimous approval—99%—from ILA members in February,features an impressive 62% wage increase along with robust protections against automation. Key provisions include expedited wage increases for new employees, full returns from the container royalty fund, enhanced contributions to money purchase plans, and upgrades to the MILA healthcare program.

Harold Daggett, ILA International President and Chief Negotiator for this third consecutive six-year deal, described it as “the greatest contract in ILA history.” The new terms will be effective retroactively from October 1, 2024.

“I take pride in my ILA members who endured a three-day strike in October 2024 and stood united to achieve this landmark agreement,” Daggett remarked.Reaching this agreement involved rigorous negotiations alongside a brief strike at affected ports during October 2024. Initial talks led to wage increases and an extension of the contract until January 15, 2025; however, port automation remained a contentious issue until final consensus was achieved on January 8.

“This deal received unanimous backing from our USMX membership and advances our goal of fostering modernized and safe working environments while enhancing efficient supply chains that allow American businesses access to global markets,” stated Paul De Maria, USMX Executive Vice President and COO.

The negotiations drew attention from prominent political figures such as former President Donald Trump who met with ILA leaders at Mar-a-Lago in December 2024. The leadership credited Trump’s involvement as pivotal in finalizing the agreement.

USMX represents foreign ocean carriers along with direct employers and port associations on the East Coast and Gulf Coast. Throughout discussions,they emphasized that modernizing ports is vital for future industry success. They argue that adopting advanced technology is essential for improving efficiency and capacity within maritime operations.

Both parties are optimistic about their shared future now that labor peace is assured through 2030. This agreement is being recognized as a new benchmark for dockworker unions worldwide by effectively balancing workforce protections with necessary industry advancements.