Robert Besser
02 Mar 2025, 23:12 GMT+10
NORTH BERGEN, New Jersey: More than 45,000 U.S. dockworkers have approved a new six-year contract, securing higher wages and preventing any disruptions until 2030.
The agreement, made between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), includes a 62 percent wage increase over the contract's duration.
The deal was reached after both sides had initially agreed on wages in October, ending a three-day strike that caused shipping delays and price hikes. However, disagreements over automation delayed a final agreement until January. The White House also played a role in pushing for a resolution.
Back-dated to October 1, 2024, the contract will raise the hourly base wage from US$39 to $63, making longshoremen among the highest-paid blue-collar workers in the U.S. It also speeds up wage increases for new workers, improves healthcare benefits, and increases employer contributions to retirement plans while protecting jobs from automation.
The contract was approved by 99 percent of workers, and the final signing is set for March 11. ILA President Harold Daggett called it the "richest contract" in the union's history, estimating it will cost employers $35 billion.
The agreement relieves shipping companies already facing global challenges, such as disruptions in the Red Sea and potential new tariffs. The affected ports, including New York and New Jersey, handle more than half of U.S. imports. Major companies like Maersk's APM Terminals and COSCO Shipping are among the employers covered by the deal.
Get a daily dose of Orlando Echo news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Orlando Echo.
More InformationWASHINGTON, D.C.: The Trump administration through U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is canceling nearly 800 grants, including...
I will never forget that fateful moment when I was just 11 years old, walking back home from school with my friend. Unfortunately,...
SYDNEY, NSW, Australia - The Australian Labor Party has been swept to victory for a second term after defeating the Coalition in an...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. State Department has started a second round of its deferred resignation program, according to an internal...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: U.S. President Donald Trump said this week that some fraud cases had been reported to the Justice Department based...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: This week, the Trump administration has approved an emergency rule that allows gas stations across the U.S....
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. State Department has started a second round of its deferred resignation program, according to an internal...
(250505) -- MIAMI, May 5, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Drivers start during the race of the Formula One Miami Grand Prix at Miami International...
(Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images) MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- McLaren Racing's Oscar Piastri claimed his series-best and career-high...
(250504) -- MIAMI, May 4, 2025 (Xinhua) -- McLaren's driver Lando Norris of Britain drives during the qualifying session of the Formula...
(250504) -- MIAMI, May 4, 2025 (Xinhua) -- McLaren's driver Lando Norris of Britain reacts after the sprint race of the Formula One...
(Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images) MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- Yet another packed house of enthusiastic fans await Formula One in...