LONG BEACH, Calif. (KNX) – After nearly a year of negotiations, West Coast port workers reached a tentative agreement Wednesday night.
The six-year contract will cover over 22,000 longshore workers at all West Coast ports.
Further details regarding the agreement were not released. Negotiations have gone on since the previous contract expired on July 1.
The Pacific Maritime Association, which represents the shippers, and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, which represents dockworkers, released a joint statement following the tentative agreement.
“We are pleased to have reached an agreement that recognizes the heroic efforts and personal sacrifices of the ILWU workforce in keeping our ports operating,” said PMA President James McKenna and ILWU President Willie Adams. “We are also pleased to turn our full attention back to the operation of the West Coast Ports.”
The tentative agreement was reached with assistance from acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su.
“Thanks to the hard work and perseverance of the leadership of the ILWU and the PMA, the tentative agreement delivers important stability for workers, for employers and for our country’s supply chain,” Su said in a statement. “This important milestone is welcome news to all, and on behalf of President Biden, we are pleased to congratulate both parties on what they have achieved.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the tentative agreement was “a win for the working people of our city."
The agreement is subject to ratification by both parties.
City News Service contributed to this report.
"About 40% of West Coast imports come through the Port of Los Angeles, which generates 1 in 15 jobs here in Los Angeles."
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