by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

On Tuesday, 25 February, the Rank-and-File Members of the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) ratified the new six-year contract with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX).

This step is the "final stamp of approval" for the new contract, which received nearly 99% voting in favour.

According to a social media post published by the ILA, the extension to the Master Contract will be effective retroactively from 1 October 2024 through 30 September 2030.

The agreement affects over 45,000 dockworkers from Maine to Texas and includes a significant 62% wage increase over its duration.

The ILA and USMX will formally sign the new contract on 11 March 2025.

This agreement provides some relief to shippers amid ongoing uncertainties, including disruptions in the Red Sea and proposed trade-related measures by the US.