ILA and USMX reach tentative agreement on new six-year contract 

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have reached a tentative agreement on a six-year master contract, averting a potential work stoppage that was scheduled for Jan. 15. 

In a joint statement, the two sides confirmed the current contract will remain in effect until the agreement is ratified by the ILA’s Wage Scale Committee and USMX members. 

“This agreement protects current ILA jobs and establishes a framework for implementing technologies that will create more jobs while modernizing East and Gulf coast ports,” the statement read. “This is a win-win agreement that creates ILA jobs, supports American consumers and businesses and keeps the American economy the key hub of the global marketplace.” 

Specific details of the tentative agreement will not be released until it is reviewed and ratified by both parties.