The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) officially ended its nationwide strike after securing a tentative agreement on wages with the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX). The strike began on October 1, 2024, and disrupted cargo movement across 36 ports from Maine to Texas. Over 45,000 dockworkers participated in the walkout, demanding higher wages and protections against automation in the shipping industry.
On October 3, the ILA and USMX reached a temporary deal that included wage increases and extended their contract until mid-January 2025. The extension allows both parties to continue negotiating unresolved issues, such as job security and port automation, without further economic disruptions. ILA’s president, Harold Daggett, expressed optimism about the agreement, stating, “This is a significant win for our members. Their demands for a fair wage have been recognized, and we remain committed to ensuring job protections in the face of automation.”
The ILA strike was the first since 1977 and had far-reaching effects, halting all shipments at affected ports and raising concerns about billions of dollars in potential losses. Economists warned that the prolonged stoppage could damage the supply chain and increase freight costs. As soon as the agreement was reached, port operations resumed, alleviating some of those concerns.
Labor Secretary Julie Su commended both sides for reaching a compromise, noting that “the resilience and unity of dockworkers in this negotiation underscore the importance of collective bargaining for achieving fair and equitable outcomes.”
Business leaders in the shipping industry, while relieved at the resumption of work, continue to monitor negotiations closely as the two sides reconvene to address long-term issues.
Support from the broader labor movement was crucial to the strike’s success. The AFL-CIO stood firmly behind the longshoremen. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler declared, “The longshoremen’s fight for a fair contract is the entire labor movement’s fight. USMX holds the power to end this strike,” stressing that the shipping companies, which had profited significantly during the pandemic, could afford to share that wealth fairly with the workers who kept the ports running.
Despite the temporary resolution, the broader conversation about automation’s role in the shipping industry continues. A spokesperson for USMX acknowledged, “We are committed to working through these complex issues. Automation is part of the future, but we are also committed to supporting the livelihoods of our dockworkers.” The ILA remains firm in its stance against automation displacing jobs without adequate protections for workers.
The AFL-CIO’s involvement and the support of unions nationwide highlighted the ongoing struggle against corporate greed and the fight for fair wages across all industries. Shuler summed it up by stating that this was not just about one union or one industry but about setting a precedent for the rights of workers everywhere.