The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) announced on August 31, 2023 their union members have ratified a six-year contract between the ILWU and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA). According to the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), a substantial 75% of its members voted in favor of approving the new six-year agreement, which was tentatively agreed upon in June.
Commenting on the successful ratification, ILWU International President Willie Adams expressed his gratitude, saying, “The negotiations for this contract were lengthy and posed significant challenges. I want to extend my appreciation to our dedicated rank and file members for their resilience, our dedicated Negotiating Committee for their foresight and unwavering determination, and everyone who supported the ILWU and PMA throughout this process, providing the necessary space for us to reach this positive outcome.”
The new agreement has been approved by PMA member companies and is retroactive from July 1, 2022 through July 1, 2028. This agreement includes the 29 West Coast ports and will improve health benefits, wages, pensions, and safety protections.
Both Executive Port Directors Eugine Seroka, Los Angeles and Mario Cordero, Long Beach have congratulated the International Longshore and Warehouse Union membership on ratifying the new labor agreement with the Pacific Maritime Association.
Cordero emphasized the significant positive impact this contract ratification will have on the U.S. economy, which heavily relies on the efficiency of port operations. He also acknowledged how the dedication of the goods movement workforce and terminal operators help to ensure a smooth flow of cargo from around the world to these ports. Further stating: “We are proud to partner with the ILWU and PMA to move cargo through the nation’s largest trade gateway. This contract paves the way for the San Pedro Bay ports complex to competitively and sustainably keep the nation’s cargo and the nation’s economy moving.”
The agreement comes after nearly a year of negotiations that at times caused the freight forwarding industry to experience delays, now with the new agreement in place, the West Coast ports can regain a steady flow of imported cargo.
Please contact your Western Overseas representative with any questions.
