US East Coast dock workers gear up to restart negotiations with operators

Posted on October 28, 2024   |  

The ILA and USMX are set to resume contract talks in November, aiming to secure a new agreement for container and Ro-Ro operations at 36 U.S. ports along the East and Gulf Coasts.

This follows an extension of the Master Contract after a three-day strike—the union’s first since 1977.

Both sides have agreed to avoid public discussion of negotiations after media tensions ahead of the October 1 strike.

The federal intervention led to a preliminary wage increase agreement of 62%.

The contract is now extended until January 15, 2025.

Automation in ports remains a key point, with the ILA opposing automated systems like those recently disputed at the Port of Mobile.