The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) released a joint statement this evening announcing that a tentative agreement on all items for a a new six-year master agreement has been reached.

“We are pleased to announce that the ILA and USMX have reached a tentative agreement on a new six-year ILA-USMX Master Contract, subject to ratification, thus averting any work stoppage on January 15th, 2025,” the two sides said in a joint statement. “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. This is a win-win agreement that creates ILA jobs, supports American consumers and businesses, and keeps the American economy the key hub of the global marketplace.”

The statement added that the two sides agreed to continue to operate 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. Details of the new tentative agreement will not be released at this time to allow ILA rank-and-file members and USMX members to review and approve the final document.

This announcement comes as very welcomed news to shippers and importers who had been bracing for a potential work stoppage next week on US East Coast and US Gulf Coast ports had an agreement not been reached.

RIM will continue to closely monitor this evolving situation and keep you updated of any pertinent updates. Please reach out to your RIM representative should you have any further questions.