In a joint statement Thursday evening, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) announced there is an end, at least temporarily, to the work stoppage that shut down the East and Gulf Coast ports earlier this week.
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom says the end of the strike is terrific news for U.S. livestock producers and exporters who ship more than $100 million of U.S. pork and beef through those ports each week. USMEF is appreciative of the efforts of all of those involved, including the longshore union, container terminal operators and government officials, for bringing a quick resolution to the work stoppage.
ILA and USMX have agreed to extend the current Master Contract until Jan. 15, 2025, and to reopen all affected ports while negotiations continue on outstanding contract issues.