Americas News
ILA Overwhelmingly Approve New Master Contract
The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) says its members have overwhelmingly approved a new master contact covering workers at U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports.
A preliminary vote count puts approval at 88 percent of the more than 8,000 union members who voted in the election, and all ILA locals supported ratification.
The union says Container Royalty, which had been a sticking point in negotiations, is "protected and guaranteed" in the contract.
The ILA said in a separate statement that the new contract also protects union workers displaced by new technology and automation and provides wage increases totaling $3 per hour spread over the life of the agreement.
A starting wage of $20 per hour is maintained in the contract.
"On behalf of ILA members and officers at all ports, we're thrilled this Master Contract was ratified by an overwhelming margin," said ILA President Harold J. Daggett.
"We all worked very hard, achieved landmark improvements and protected our members and our union for many years."
David F. Adams, chairman of the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), said in a statement that the management group was "obviously pleased" with the outcome of the vote.
"It's in the best interest of both sides, our customers and the country that the ports continue to operate without disruption and that's precisely what this agreement will do for the next six years," he said.
The ILA had threatened to strike in February if a contract was not reached, but the walkout was averted when the sides reached a tentative agreement.
