ILA members ratify six-year contract with USMX

Members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) ratified a six-year Master Contract Agreement with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) Feb. 25, securing labour peace at ports along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts until 2030.

According to a Facebook post from the ILA, nearly 99 per cent of its members voted in favour of the deal, which took effect Oct. 1, 2024, and runs through Sept. 30, 2030.

“I am pleased to announce that thousands of ILA longshore workers covered by this Master Contract today have overwhelmingly supported its ratification with nearly 99 per cent in favour, and we now have labour peace for the next six years,” ILA president and chief negotiator Harold Daggett said in the statement.

Daggett called the contract the strongest in ILA history, highlighting a 62 per cent wage increase, protections against automation and improved benefits, including pension and health care contributions.

Negotiations included a three-day strike in October 2024. Daggett credited U.S. President Donald Trump’s support and a December 2024 meeting at Mar-a-Lago as key factors in reaching a settlement.

The ILA and USMX will formally sign the agreement March 11.