The Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) have reached a tentative agreement in West Coast labour negotiations, putting an end to over a year of uncertainty. The new six-year contract, covering workers at all 29 West Coast ports, awaits ratification from both sides before it becomes official. The agreement was facilitated by Acting US Secretary of Labour Julie Su, who praised the outcome as a demonstration of the effectiveness of collective bargaining. President Biden also congratulated the parties involved and highlighted the importance of the port workers’ contributions during the pandemic. Sources have indicated that the ILWU secured a 32% salary increase over the six years, but they did not receive the increased manning for conventional terminals they sought during the 13-month negotiations with employers.
