Second US port strike averted as union, employers reach deal

(Reuters) – The union representing 45,000 dockworkers on the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts and their employer groups on Wednesday said they reached a tentative deal on a new six-year contract, averting a strike that could have snarled supply chains and taken a toll on the U.S. economy.

The United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) employer group and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), in a joint statement, called the agreement a “win-win” that averts a potential strike by landing before the Jan. 15 negotiating deadline.

“This agreement protects current ILA jobs and establishes a framework for implementing technologies that will create more jobs while modernizing East and Gulf coast ports – making them safer and more efficient, and creating the capacity they need to keep our supply chains strong,” the groups said.

The two sides have agreed to continue operating under the current contract until the union can meet with its full Wage Scale Committee and schedule a ratification vote, and USMX members can ratify the terms of the final contract.