In March 2023, International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) President Harold Daggett instructed the local unions to cease contract negations covering local benefits and work rules. In a turn of events, Daggett has now given the locals not only a green light to resume negotiations but also a deadline of May 17th to complete those negotiations.
According to reports, May 17th is a firm deadline and will give the ILA and the employer group USMX only about 4.5 months to complete the master agreement.
Daggett has publicly stated the ILA will not work beyond the current expiration date of September 30, 2024 without a new contract. They certainly have their work cut out for them.