The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) on August 31 announced the ratification of a six-year contract between the ILWU and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA).

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the ILWU’s membership's approval of the tentative agreement was a major win for the people of Los Angeles. “This agreement will make sure the Port of L.A. continues to operate and provide good paying jobs. The positive impacts of the approved contract will be felt across the region, the West Coast and our nation. Thank you to all the parties who worked together to achieve a contract agreement that puts people first while safeguarding our economy,” Bass said. “The Port of L.A. will continue to be a leader in our economy, on innovative climate sustainability efforts and an important job creator in the region.” 

“Union strength comes from dedication, numbers, and strong leadership; I’m so glad that the members of ILWU voted to ratify their contract today,” added Los Angeles City Councilmember Tim McOsker. “This contract respects the hard-work and skill of our dockworkers, and their importance to our San Pedro Bay complex. A ratified, coastwide agreement is good for our workers, the Port of Los Angeles, and our country’s economy.”

Los Angeles Harbor Commission President Lucille Roybal-Allard saluted the deal, referring to the work of longshore workers through the pandemic as “heroic.” “Now it’s time for all stakeholders to come together as we work to grow jobs and cargo while creating a cleaner and more sustainable port,” she said.  

Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka thanked the 22,000 members of the ILWU for ratifying the six-year contract. “With the leadership of ILWU president Willie Adams and PMA president & CEO Jim McKenna, the collective bargaining system worked,” Seroka said. “This contract brings long-term stability and confidence to our customers as we re-double our efforts to bring more cargo back to the Port of Los Angeles, the premier gateway to and from the Pacific Rim.”

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson and Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero also congratulated the membership of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union for their ratification of the contract.

“This agreement will bolster the global competitiveness of the Port of Long Beach while expanding job opportunities for residents throughout Long Beach and the greater Los Angeles region," Richardson said.

“This contract will pave the way for the San Pedro Bay ports complex to competitively and sustainably keep the nation’s cargo and the nation’s economy moving,” said Cordero.