Tentative Agreement Averts US Port Strike

A new six-year contract has been established, ensuring the continuity of port operations after intense negotiations.

The recent negotiation between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) culminated in a tentative agreement that prevents a potential strike at various East Coast ports from Texas to New England. This agreement, the result of a context of prior tensions and strikes that have marked the sector, reflects a critical period of negotiations to stabilize a vital part of the global logistics chain.

After a strike in October 2024, the ILA secured a 62% wage increase for workers, postponing the conclusion of negotiations until January 15, 2025. The possibility of a strike remained, with automation as the main point of disagreement between USMX and ILA.

The negotiations on January 8 focused on harmonizing the implementation of technologies with job preservation. The agreement reached includes modernizing ports with the introduction of advanced technologies and maintaining existing jobs, balancing innovation with job security.

With the ratification expected during the summer, the provisional agreement brought temporary relief to the sector, essential for operational continuity and economic stability.

For more information, please visit the USMX website.