US dock strike ends as dock workers reach tentative deal

A massive strike by tens of thousands of US dock workers ended quickly late Thursday, with their union saying they would return to work on Friday as they neared a deal with port operators and shipping companies.

About 45,000 members of the International Liquidators Association (ILA) had out of East Coast and Gulf Coast ports Early Tuesday, months of negotiations with companies, terminal operators and port associations represented by the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) had failed to reach an agreement on a new contract.

The The ILA said in a statement late Thursday that the workers and USMX “reached a tentative agreement on wages” and agreed to extend their previous contract through Jan. 15 “to return to the bargaining table to negotiate all other outstanding matters.”

The effects of the strike had threatened to be far-reaching, causing knock-on effects in industries that rely on materials such as steel and lumber and raising new economic fears just weeks before the end of the 2024 presidential election.

ILA said workers demand higher wages which would compensate them for their contributions to the “enrichment of employers and industry” and a wage to address rising inflation that is “eating away” at their current wage levels. Workers also pushed for protections against automation and new technology devices in terminals.

Had it remained in place, the strike was likely to have major consequences for the wider US economy. Almost every industry relies on major East Coast and Gulf Coast ports to deliver shipments of equipment, food and supplies every day. Ports and facilities handling about 51% of the nation’s total port capacity are affected by the layoffs, according to Miter Corporation.

As the union neared a strike against companies, port authorities and terminal operators represented by USMX, freight companies began warning customers to adjust their plans ahead of the walkouts. While some have likely been successful, many companies are expected to feel the pain in the coming days.

President Joe Biden praised the deal that ended the strike.

“I want to applaud the International Shipping Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance for coming together to reopen East Coast and Gulf ports,” Biden said in a statement. “Today’s tentative agreement on a record wage and an expansion of the collective bargaining process is critical progress toward a strong contract. I congratulate the ILA dockers who deserve a strong contract after sacrificing so much to keep our ports open during the pandemic. And I applaud the port operators and carriers who are members of the US Maritime Alliance for working hard and putting a strong offer on the table.

both Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, had expressed support for the striking dock workers.

“This strike is about fairness,” Harris said Wednesday. “Liquidators, who play a vital role in moving essential goods across America, deserve a fair share of these record profits.”

— William Gavin contributed to this article.