The US west coast is safe from the threat of strikes finally. Dockworkers have voted in favour of ratifying a contract agreement with employment association Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) announced yesterday, bringing to a close a period of significant industrial unrest.
The new six-year contract is retroactive from July 1, 2022. The deal includes a 32% pay increase over the span of the contract as well as a one-time bonus for working through the early days of the covid pandemic.
“This contract provides an important framework for the hard work ahead to overcome new competitive challenges and to continue to position the West Coast ports as destinations of choice for shippers worldwide,” said PMA president and CEO Jim McKenna. “From San Diego to Bellingham, these ports have long been the primary gateways for cargo coming into and leaving the United States, and our interests are aligned in ensuring they can effectively, and efficiently, handle the capacity growth that drives economies and jobs.’’