The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) announced on Thursday that its members have ratified a six-year contract between the union and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), representing the shipping industry. This agreement comes after nearly a year of negotiations and discord that affected West Coast ports, including Los Angeles and Long Beach.
ILWU members voted in favor of approving the new contract by a majority of 75%. The voting results were certified by the union’s Coast Balloting Committee, consisting of delegates elected from each of the 29 West Coast ports.
Willie Adams, president of ILWU International, expressed gratitude to the union’s rank-and-file and negotiating committee for their strength and vision in achieving this result. The new agreement aims to protect jobs, improve wages, pensions, and safety protections, while maintaining health benefits in the 29 West Coast port communities.
The ILWU represents approximately 20,000 longshore and clerk workers on the West Coast.
Jim McKenna, President and CEO of PMA, stated that the contract, which has already been approved by PMA member companies, is retroactive to July 1, 2022, and will run through July 1, 2028. McKenna emphasized the importance of this contract in overcoming new competitive challenges and positioning the West Coast ports as prime destinations for global shippers.
Details of the contract have not been publicly disclosed by either ILWU or PMA representatives.
The Wall Street Journal previously reported that the deal would provide dockworkers with a significant wage increase, starting with a $4.62 raise in the first year and an additional $2 per hour in subsequent years.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson issued a joint statement applauding the contract. They emphasized the significance of labor stability for the success of the San Pedro Bay Port Complex, which handles nearly 40% of the nation’s containerized cargo. The ports support a substantial amount of trade and contribute to job creation.
L.A. City Councilman Tim McOsker commended the contract for recognizing the hard work and importance of dockworkers. He believes that a ratified agreement benefits the workers, the Port of Los Angeles, and the overall economy.
Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of L.A., expressed gratitude for the leadership of both ILWU and PMA. Seroka believes that this contract brings stability and confidence to customers and strengthens the Port of Los Angeles as a gateway to the Pacific Rim.
After months of negotiations, a tentative agreement was reached in June with the assistance of acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su.
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