East Coast, Gulf Ports Remain Open Following Agreement

Ports along the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts will remain open as a tentative agreement with the union representing 45,000 dock workers has been reached, averting a possible work stoppage.

Reuters reported that the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) called the agreement a “win-win.”

"This agreement protects current ILA jobs and establishes a framework for implementing technologies that will create more jobs while modernizing East and Gulf coast ports – making them safer and more efficient, and creating the capacity they need to keep our supply chains strong," the groups said in a joint statement.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

In October, union officials held a three-day work stoppage after their contract expired on Sept. 30, but was extended until Jan. 15.

“We are pleased to see the ILA and USMX come to a final agreement on a new contract, as U.S. ports on the East and Gulf Coasts play a critical role in the retail supply chain,” said Jonathan Gold, vice president of Supply Chain and Customs Policy for the National Retail Federation. “Providing certainty with a new contract and avoiding further disruptions is paramount to ensure retail goods arrive in a timely manner for consumers.”