Dockworkers on the U.S. East and Gulf coasts have voted overwhelmingly in favor of a six-year contract, effectively preventing a potential strike that could have had severe economic repercussions. The International Longshoremen's Association union leadership had previously reached a tentative agreement with the U.S. Maritime Alliance of ports and shipping companies in January, which was subsequently approved by the alliance last month.
The union announced that nearly 99 percent of its rank-and-file members voted in favor of the contract, which includes a significant 62% pay raise over the six-year period. This increase will raise hourly wages at the top of the union pay scale from $39 to $63 per hour. ILA President Harold Daggett, who led the negotiations, described the agreement as setting the 'gold standard' for dockworker unions worldwide.
