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Atlantic and Gulf Coast Port Labor Contract

Last Updated: 3/27/2025

Background

Due to stalled labor negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA)1and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX)2, the ILA initiated a strike beginning at midnight on September 30, 2024. This action impacted 14 ports along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the U.S. The strike was lifted on October 4, 2024, enabling all impacted ports to resume normal operations. Negotiations between the ILA and USMX resumed. 

  1. Largest union of maritime workers in North America, representing upwards of 85,000 longshoremen on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the U.S. 
  2. Alliance of container carriers, direct employers, and port associations serving the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the U.S.

Current Status

The ILA and USMX reached an agreement on a new contract, which was approved and then signed on February 2, 2025. This contract will be in place until September 30, 2030. 

Relevant Links and References

  • February 26, 2025 Supply Chain Dive article on the signing of the new contract 

Emergency Response for Drinking Water and Wastewater Utilities

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Last updated on March 27, 2025
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