Ports in the USVI are a major source of economic activity, with NOAA dataset showing powerful impact on jobs and revenue. By. ERNICE GILBERT, V.I. CONSORTIUM
Approximately 45,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) are back at work after suspending their strike until at least January 15, 2025.
The 3-day strike, which began on Tuesday, was suspended after the ILA reached a “tentative agreement on wages” with the U.S. Maritime Alliance, according to a joint statement from both parties on Thursday evening. While it provided no details on what that agreement looks like, the statement does say that the master contract, which expired on September 30, will be extended until January 15 to facilitate a return to work for the union members.
President Joe Biden, who resisted calls to invoke the Taft-Hartley Act to force the striking workers back to their posts, welcomed news of the agreement amid reports that senior administration officials played a key role in getting the parties to agree on ending the work stoppage.
“I congratulate the dockworkers from the ILA, who deserve a strong contract after sacrificing so much to keep our ports open during the pandemic,” Mr. Biden said. “I applaud the port operators and carriers who are members of the US Maritime Alliance for working hard and putting a strong offer on the table."
Regional interests are breathing a sigh of relief, as an extended work stoppage at ports along the east coast of the United States threatened major disruption to the heavily import-dependent islands in the Caribbean.
The parties now have until mid-January to finalize a new contract for dock workers at the nation’s ports.
