Labor Agreement Reached After Dockworker Strike

(Reuters) – U.S. East Coast and Gulf ports resumed operations after unionized dockworkers reached a tentative labor agreement with an employer group for a new contract, concluding a three-day strike.

The agreement announced on Thursday includes a wage increase of approximately 62% over six years and affects around 45,000 members.

Timeline of Events Leading to the Deal

May 13, 2024

• The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) announce plans to begin bargaining after May 17 to secure a new deal before the current contract expires on September 30.

June 10, 2024

• Negotiations are halted by ILA amid disputes over automation, following the discovery that operator APM’s terminals and Maersk Line are using an Auto Gate system which processes trucks without labor.

June 11, 2024

• USMX states that some issues need further discussion and looks forward to re-engaging with the bargaining committee.

July 12, 2024

• ILA President Harold Daggett indicates an increasing threat of an October 1 strike due to contract violations by some USMX members, leading to the cancellation of negotiations.

Aug. 23, 2024

• USMX claims they have been unable to secure a meeting with ILA to resume talks.

Sept. 5, 2024

• Nearly 300 ILA delegates finish two days of meetings, supporting Daggett’s call for an October 1 strike if no agreement is reached.

Sept. 23, 2024

• ILA reports multiple discussions with USMX but a stalemate continues with unsatisfactory wage increase proposals from USMX.

Sept. 24, 2024

• The White House states it will not intervene to broker a deal between the parties.

Sept. 25, 2024

• Agriculture groups urge White House intervention to prevent a strike.

Sept. 26, 2024

• USMX files an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board to engage ILA in negotiations again.

Sept. 29, 2024

• President Biden expresses no intention to intervene in preventing a port strike.

Sept. 30, 2024

• USMX increases its wage offer by nearly 50%, triples employer contributions to retirement plans, strengthens healthcare options, and requests a master contract extension.

Oct. 1, 2024

• ILA initiates strike at ports along the U.S. East Coast.

Oct. 3, 2024

• ILA and USMX reach a tentative agreement for a new contract, featuring a 62% wage hike over six years.