(Reuters) – The union representing 45,000 dock workers on the U.S. East and Gulf coasts and employer groups said on Wednesday they had reached a tentative agreement on a new six-year contract, averting a strike that could have disrupted supply chains and affected… negatively on workers. American economy.
In a joint statement, the US Maritime Alliance (USMX) employer group and the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) called the agreement a “win-win” and avoids a potential blow by landing before the January 15 negotiating deadline.
“This agreement protects existing ILA jobs and creates a framework to implement technologies that will create more jobs while modernizing our East and Gulf Coast ports – making them safer and more efficient, and creating the capacity we need to keep our supply chains strong.” He said.
The two sides agreed to continue working under the current contract until the union can meet with the full pay scale committee and schedule a ratification vote, and USMX members can ratify the terms of the final contract.
