Additional Coverage:
- Dockworkers on East Coast and Gulf Coast to return to work after reaching agreement on wages (nbcnews.com)
After reaching a tentative wage agreement, thousands of dockworkers along the East Coast and Gulf Coast have returned to work. This agreement ends one of the largest labor stoppages in recent history.
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) extended their current contract until January 15th to continue negotiations.
The details of the wage agreement remain confidential. However, the ILA had argued for a share in the profits gained by cargo carriers during the pandemic’s supply chain disruptions.
The strike, which began on Monday, was the first since 1977. It impacted ports from Maine to Texas, prompting calls for a swift resolution from state governors.
President Biden praised the tentative agreement and emphasized its importance for reopening ports and continuing negotiations.
While the wage agreement temporarily resolves the labor dispute, the issue of automation remains to be addressed. Both the union and USMX will continue to discuss this topic.