The port strikes across much of the US’ east and Gulf coasts has ended after three days of disruption.
A new deal has been tentatively struck by US dock workers and port operators, as per Reuters, which closes the three-day strike that has already shut down shipping in the region.
The agreement is for a wage increase of roughly 62 per cent over six years according to sources either side of the issue, raising average wages to about US$63 an hour from US$39.
While the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) union was seeking a 77 per cent raise, the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) had lifted its offer to nearly a 50 per cent raise.
The agreements means the biggest work stoppage of its kind in nearly 50 years is now over, with the strikes blocking the unloading of container ships from Maine to Texas, threatening a variety of industries due to the backlog of anchored ships outside major ports.
In a statement, both the ILA and USMX says they will extend the master contract until January 15, 2025, where they will then again return to the bargaining table to cover all outstanding issues, such as automation.
“Effective immediately, all current job actions will cease and all work covered by the Master Contract will resume,” the statement says.
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