(Reuters) – The union representing 45,000 port workers in the U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast and their employer groups said on Wednesday they had reached a tentative agreement on a new six-year contract, averting a strike that could disrupt supply chains and take a toll the American economy.
The United States Maritime Federation (USMX) employers’ group and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) called the deal a “win-win” in a joint statement that averts a potential landing strike ahead of the January 15 negotiation deadline.
“This agreement protects current ILA jobs and establishes a framework for implementing technologies that will create more jobs while modernizing Eastern and Gulf Coast ports – making them safer and more efficient and creating the capacity they need to keep our supply chains strong “, the group said.
The two sides have agreed to continue working under the current contract until the union meets with its full Pay Scale Committee and schedules a ratification vote, and USMX members can ratify the terms of the final contract.
