Kenneth Riley, the ILA's international vice president, emphasized the positive outcome of the negotiations, stating, "We've reached a deal on the two most important things to us in these negotiations." He noted that the port strike halted operations at New York, but with this resolution, workers can return to the docks as soon as Friday. The agreement addressed critical issues related to automation and wages, reassuring union members and calming concerns about product shortages throughout New York and beyond.
The new deal forbids fully automated or semi-automated terminals on the East and Gulf Coasts for the duration of the contract, which lasts six years. Riley expressed satisfaction with this decision, asserting, "This is crucial for our workers who depend on these jobs, as automation poses a significant threat to employment and livelihoods in our industry." The agreement also includes a competitive wage package that ultimately played a key role in returning union members to their posts.
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