East and Gulf Coast Ports Avoid Chaos as Dockworkers Seal Landmark Labor Deal

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) members have overwhelmingly ratified a new six-year master contract with United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), securing unprecedented wage increases and automation protections for workers across Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports.

The agreement, effective through September 30, 2030, received nearly 99% approval from rank-and-file members.

The ILA said the agreement sets a new standard for dockworker unions worldwide while ensuring labor peace at major East Coast and Gulf ports through 2030. The contract emerged after intense negotiations, including a three-day coast-wide strike in October 2024 that ended with a tentative agreement on wage increases and a contract extension until January 15, 2025. But the crucial issue of port a…